Visit Fine Art Kangaroo Island to view inspiring new works by studio painters Patricia Morys and Bernadette Greenwood during our Easter Exhibition 2024.
Trish and Bernadette are independent artists who relocated to Kangaroo Island from interstate several years ago. Having met here on KI, they discovered a passion for art making, a desire to share studio space and a community that values its arts and culture. Each has developed independent art practices, fulfilling their diverse art journeys while sharing a love for KI. The generous offer of space in Shep’s Studio, at the Bay of Shoals, has enabled each of them to paint in a supportive environment as they immerse themselves in the diverse landscapes of their new home.
The theme for this dual exhibition and artistic collaboration is making artwork that expresses first impressions of the Island. Both artists have been drawn time and time again to work with the trees, to study and reflect on the individuality of each one whilst also witnessing the characteristics which make them part of the uniquely, ancient landscapes of Kangaroo Island.
Meet the artists…
Reflecting upon her art practice over the past months Bernadette says, “I’ve become very aware of the role of light in a painting to give it life, almost like adding air or breath. I’ve done lots of experimenting with different primary colour combinations and I get very excited when two colours sing together. Whenever I can I paint outside directly from nature, it allows me to explore the full depth and detail of a subject and to know it more intimately. This, makes me come alive”.
For Trish, the last 12 months have been a complete immersion into the wild, natural environment where she paints her experience, observations and the wonderment of Kangaroo Island.
“In many ways, I feel like I’ve returned. To the bush, and the sea, to Art.
I am in awe of this place. My paintings express my wonder at the landscape here. My inspiration has mostly been found on my way to somewhere when I have to stop and stare and marvel at what is wild, unique, almost magical. There is a storybook feel to my work, reflecting my childlike wonder and delight in these seemingly everyday scenes, ordinary to some but amazing to me. I like that. I like seeing the beauty in what is driven past every day.
I guess I’m trying to paint the journey, not the destination.”
Many of the works on exhibit in Through The Trees depict the island’s arbours or individual eucalyptus cneorifolia that provide immense fascination to both artists. These dominant stands of trees mostly survive in the island’s easternmost region and thrive in delicate balance with other species on the coastal fringe. Native tree canopies are rendered on canvas in oils applied with a rich exploration of colour. Each artist has a distinct and unique visual style yet, both bodies of work resonate with, and complement the other, as they convey each artist’s wonder and discovery of the island and its vibrant ecosystems.
More than 15 new works on show are a testament to the different perspectives, skills, and expressions artists immersed in similar subjects can bring to enliven and enrich our lives.
