Time to … paint

At 70, Lynne Lyons admits she has always loved seascapes and living close to the beach.

“I have always loved the colours, the skies and the mountains, so living in a community like Wombarra allows me to absorb my surroundings and be inspired every day.”

Lynne and her husband, Tony, have lived in South Australia, the Gold Coast and in the Sutherland Shire, as well as in New Zealand. All these locales have provided influences for Lynne’s artworks, offering mentors, teachers and groups.

“A different life, different light and interesting people allow insights and explorations to be developed.”

About 20 years ago Lynne picked up her first brush and started attending classes.

“I first began to develop skills in acrylic, attended a few summer schools at the National Art School in Darlinghurst, some more studios and lessons in Queensland and Adelaide and broadened my experiences.”

Lynne started the Austinmer Art Group in the Scout Hall with about 10 to 12 people.

“We all do something different and there are a mixture of locals, but we all love working in our group on different projects, different ideas and expanding our own initiatives. We also thank Judith Russo for her initiative of “Art Space” in Thirroul in offering the space to emerging and local artists to exhibit their works. We are very grateful.”

Inspiration comes from her surroundings.

“My Sandon Point Boatshed painting is one such example. I had this instantaneous reaction and I was completely compelled to complete it.”

Lynne admits she is generally not a planner and can work on two to three paintings at a time.

“I am experimenting more on using the palette knife and really enjoying the results, and finding the results are just that little bit more interesting.

“I am looking forward to exhibiting with Sandra Cox so we are working towards that.”

Lynne loves her projects, loves living in Wombarra and loves having her family nearby, but her creations offer a different perspective, a joy for the local environment and the expression of it for all to enjoy. Her efforts provide an inspiration for many of us who enjoy viewing our local area on canvas.

Writer Janice Creenaune is a volunteer for the PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) Foundation Australia. Email janicecreenaune@gmail.com