Her style underwent a significant transformation when she moved from the lower Blue Mountains to Smiths Lake six years ago.

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“I used to paint with a fairly neutral palette, but since relocating to Smiths Lake, I have gone wild with colour,” Catherine told News Of The Area.

“When complementary colours are placed together, the interaction between the colours creates a type of vibration which creates excitement for the viewer, and I love experimenting with different combinations.”

Catherine has called her latest exhibition “Colourful Language”.

“Colourful language is generally used to shock or to astound the listener, or in my case, the viewer, particularly when no other words can be found to articulate how I relate to my world,” she said.

The exhibition also contains the work of two sculptors, Tracie Bertram and Geoff Beatty, and artist Julie Plasto.

“I have known Geoff for many years, and only in recent years have I become familiar with Julie’s and Tracie’s work,” Catherine said.

“I just knew that the work created by these highly skilled artists would complement the concept of ‘Colourful Language’ beautifully, and I am grateful to have their work included in my exhibition.”

Catherine emphasised the importance of collaboration among artists, stating that it helps build artistic networks. “Having the sculptures displayed in the central space of the gallery also creates another experience for the viewer,” she added.

Tracie, Geoff and Julie all have their own perspective on colour.

In her artist’s statement, Tracie describes colour as “Both familiar and mysterious at the same time”.

“It is often the first thing I am drawn to, and it shapes the way I feel about the world,” she stated.

Julie said she is “mindful of the strength that colour adds” to the power of her mostly figurative paintings.

“I like to create mood rather than emotion through my use of colour,” she said.

Geoff has chosen to use plywood for this exhibition rather than his usual materials of brass and steel.

The sculptures on show in “Colourful Language” are a departure from the patinated browns and rusty hues usually associated with his metal pieces.

Colourful Language can be viewed at the Gloucester Gallery until 26 January 2025.

By Wendy BUSWELL