Elisabeth spent her early years in Barcelona where she dabbled in drawing and painting from an early age. As an adult Elisabeth continued developing her art with watercolours at the Queensland Watercolour Society. She soon found that this didn’t define her as an artist and furthered her formal training at Brisbane Institute Art and Bremer TAFE focusing in painting in oils and acrylics.
Her first solo exhibition was at St Stephens Gallery, Brisbane City Hall in 2000.
Elisabeth likes to use her work in aid of community support exhibiting for Life Line, Mitchelton Community Centre, Qld Police Services, St Steven’s Catholic Gift Shop, View Club and Brisbane Ethnic and Multicultural Arts Centre [BEMAC].
Her style, expressionist abstraction, is meditative and at the same time energetic. It derives from observed reality and never looses all contact with it. Themes and locations are entwined so that everyday life is, not only urban, but also a mystical experience.
The Royal Queensland Art Society would like to congratulate all the winners in the 2022 Queensland Figurative Exhibition, part of the RQAS Biennial.
Thanks also to our Judge Ben Smith.
Please scroll down to view the winning artworks and judges comments.
First Prize
Dad at Home
by Greg Jessup
JUDGES COMMENTS
Conveys the high regard the artist has for his father and how their psyche both pervades the space and stands in wonder of it. An incredible, mad work with overwhelming sense of life. Deft lively brush marks on the figure. Playful colours in the skin tones. This is not just photorealism. Beautifully composed. I feel like various elements of the surrounding foliage have been manipulated to keep your eye within the picture frame. The background elements push the figure forward. An image that shocked me with its intensity the moment I saw it.
Second Prize
Patron Saint of Adventure
by Samantha Groenestyn
JUDGES COMMENTS
This is a highly original composition. You can see that every shape and form, each placement of an object in this picture has gone through the filter of a human mind. Very idiosyncratic. Who would have thought a bike on a shoulder would work so well. Love the light from behind. A lovely feeling of warmth and regard for the sitter.
Highly Commended
Oneness
by Anne-Marie Zanetti
JUDGES COMMENTS
I have a lot of respect for people who go beyond trying to paint what is before them. It is far more difficult than people imagine. The technical problems to be overcome are often huge and if done well the effort isn’t always apparent to the viewer. A beautiful thoughtful idea.
The Royal Queensland Art Society would like to congratulate the winners of the 132nd Members Annual,
judged by María Saurí, Julie Fay Brims and Julie Manning .
Exhibition continues in Petrie Terrace Gallery until Sunday 3rd July.
Overall Winner – Best Artwork
Vista #11
by Laura Phillips
Oil on Board
Judges Comments:
This painting has an intentional two-dimensional feel in its composition and presentation which is quite beautiful in its effect. The palette used is subtle and evocative. Although the work is a rendition of a traditional subject, i.e., a still life, there is no hint here of antiquity. The artist in this case has made it their own, creating a work which seems timeless.
SECTION 1: Painting – Oils & Acrylics
First Prize
Tim Page. War Photographer
by Joanne Brooker
Acrylic on Panel
Judges Comments:
This work is bold and alive, painted in eye-catching colour. It is well-rounded as a painting: the elements of a war photographers’ life surrounding the subject give his character authenticity. The figure of Tim Page is commanding from the centre of the composition and painted with genuine expression. It is technically accomplished.
Second Prize
Encounter at Coochie
by Peter Hubbard
Oil on Board
Judges Comments:
This painting emanates light and warmth. It is very successful in telling its story around an encounter at Coochie. The composition is appealing and very natural. The artist has been skilled in depicting the figures and their interaction within the landscape. Overall, this is an enticing and atmospheric work.
Highly Commended
My Country 465
by Max Butler
Oil
Judges Comments:
This work shows very skilled use of a bold colour palette, set out in a clever composition. The bands of foreground, middle and background reveal their details slowly on continued examination of the painting – it invites looking and re-looking to discover the elements in each part of its striking landscape.
SECTION 2: Painting – Watercolour
First Prize
Carnarvons Forever
by Tony Walker
Watercolour
Judges Comments:
This work shows excellent use of a limited palette and expressive line work. The use of watercolour as a medium has been harnessed to its full extent in skilfully depicting the landscape. Overall, this is an evocative work which is infused with light.
Second Prize
Duck and Lilly under the Milky Way
by Wilna TenCate
Watercolour
Judges Comments:
This painting shows good balance between the watercolour use on the figure and the duck and an illustrative approach to the background. The figure, face and animal are sensitively and expressively depicted, with good technical skill. The overall composition is very well balanced.
SECTION 3: Photography, Digital Painting & Digital Manipulation
First Prize
Bend It
by Di Cox
Digital
Judges Comments:
There is a very effective two-dimensional presence to this work. The composition is balanced, and the inclusion of chairs on the open space in the foreground gives the work a light-hearted summery feel.
Second Prize
Colour in the Fog
by Richard McLaren
Photography
Judges Comments:
The photographer here has captured a mystical and ethereal quality to the subject matter of a landscape in fog, which translates well as a larger presentation.
SECTION 4: Sculpture – 3D works all media
First Prize
Maggie
by Kathy Sullivan
Wirework
Judges Comments:
This wirework sculpture is delicately constructed. When it is hung and diffused with light, it creates an evocative shadow of a magpie, bringing the bird to life in the room. This is skillfully devised and when hung, a fluidly mobile sculpture.
SECTION 5: Drawing – All Media
First Prize
Ngoanga – Place of Figs Petrie
by Robyn Bauer
Charcoal
Judges Comments:
This charcoal drawing achieves excellent tonal difference and has an overall compositional balance. The fig trees are gracefully drawn, with depth and strength.
SECTION 6: 2D Artworks – Any Other Media
First Prize
“Flavigny 3, Ed1/6”
by Katia Strounina
Wood Engraving
Judges Comments:
This wood engraving achieves a wonderful chiaroscuro in its depiction of the town gates of Flavigny. The work exhibits excellent technical artistry, and the lines which create the texture of buildings, foreground and sky are beautifully rendered. There is much movement and light in the sky to balance the darker foreground and buildings. The scene appears ancient but timeless, with great depth.
Second Prize
Blue and Yellow
by Alan Fletcher
Watercolour, Acrylic and Pen
Judges Comments:
This work exhibits excellent skill in composition, and very effective use of the different media used. The delicate nest of lines in the middle are texturally and sensitively rendered, and the blue bar at the top provides requisite balance. Each of the three elements contrasts with the others in shape, media and texture, but successfully integrates into a very balanced and intriguing whole.
Highly Commended
Going About Living
by Wayne Singleton
Hand Coloured Linocut Print
Judges Comments:
This linocut print displays immense skill in the detail of the scene and in the delicate hand colouring of the birds. The eye of the viewer is drawn again and again to explore the intricacies of the scene. The work encourages full immersion into the forest that is depicted and the living elements within it.
I established my studio in Brisbane in 1988. As a teenager carving timber I progressed to bronze then sandstone and granite. Now my favourite medium is marble.
The Royal Queensland Art Society would like to congratulate all the winners in the Different Dimensions 2022 Exhibition.
Thanks also to our Judge Catherine Reason Macauley, and Fellows Selector Frances McKennariey. Please scroll down to view the winning artworks and judges comments.
First Prize
Patchwork Totem
by Jennifer Long
JUDGES COMMENTS
Lovely subtle shapes and softness.
Second Prize
Hunting Dog
by Dr Ekaterina Strounina
JUDGES COMMENTS
There is a strength in the pose that is quite compelling I keep walking back to this piece to tell me more.. the intensity is there but it doesn’t quite tell a story.
Third Prize
In Praise of Women
by Glenise Clelland
JUDGES COMMENTS
A modest Appraisal of the female figure, charcoal outline with the subtle blushes of colour. the cylindrical shape doesn’t give a focal point.
Fellows Selection
Open to eligible RQAS Members. Selected by Frances McKennariey FRQAS
4 Lace Monitors
by Claudje Lecompte
SELECTORS COMMENTS
“I truly enjoyed discovering this elegantly realised creation inspired by the natural form and movement. The artist’s resolution of opposing elements into solid form are deeply satisfying.
The Royal Queensland Art Society would like to congratulate all the winners in the Abstraction 2022 Exhibition.
Thanks also to our Judge Joe Furlonger, and Fellows Selector Frances McKennariey. Please scroll down to view the winning artworks and judges comments.
First Prize
Wind
by Johnny Huang
JUDGES COMMENTS
“Gesture attempting to explain an infinite by really letting fly.”
Second Prize
Untitled
by Joanne heath
JUDGES COMMENTS
The colours “bounce: and therefore lively, circle could hang without the coloured square.
Third Prize
Shadows
by Karen Knight
JUDGES COMMENTS
Strong drawing with good contrast.
Highly Commended
Doorway to Sunlight
by Lee Tainui
JUDGES COMMENTS
A good direction would work on bigger scale, the black is dramatic.
War Fear
by Helia Smith
JUDGES COMMENTS
Like the (technique of) drawing with paint.
Beauty; More Than The Immediately Obvious
by Dr Kay Kane
JUDGES COMMENTS
The pencil and wash is a beautiful & subtle medium.
Fellows Selection
Open to eligible RQAS Members. Selected by Frances McKennariey FRQAS
Circle Squared
by Joanne heath
SELECTORS COMMENTS
The work shows a deep sense of visual engagement. The dialogue between artist and work – equalibrium sought. A sense of time has evolved out of the optical play of layers by the use of direct & indirect painting.
The Royal Queensland Art Society would like to congratulate all the winners in the Brisbane: Landmarks, Landscapes and Personalities 2022 Exhibition.
Thanks also to our Judge Maureen Hansen, and Fellows Selector Dr Kay Kane. Please scroll down to view the winning artworks and judges comments.
First Prize
“Two Bridges, View from the 28th Floor Riparian Plaza”
by Paul Drought
JUDGES COMMENTS
This work impressed me because of the style of the detail. It looks gestural and finely observed. I liked the peach side of the building. Ironically as soon as I saw it I recognised the view having painted it for the Tattersalls prize winning in 2007. The overall harmony of the work draws you in although I would have preferred more cerulean to the greens. The careful observation of the landscape wins the prize for me.
Second Prize
Bribie Bathers
by Peter Hubbard
JUDGES COMMENTS
This picture is a little gem. I especially like the figures in the sea and the variety of greens that depict the shoreline. It draws in all the way back to the ranges in the back – well done.
Third Prize
The Drive Home
by Garry Dolan
JUDGES COMMENTS
This composition is a winner. I have also been here in Brisbane and thought it would make a fine picture. I like the way the XXXX brewery is quelled down especially the simplification of Eddy Fourex. The phosphorous nature of the traffic lights, dusk reflections create mood. I dig it!
Highly Commended
Floressence
by Sue Smith
JUDGES COMMENTS
I loved the skill and composition of this work. I just found the flat white background doesn’t allow me to sink in past the surface. It reminded me of Matisse and the complex patterns were excellent from a painterly perspective.
“From Rations, to Wages, to Treaty”
by Colin Bushell
JUDGES COMMENTS
Excellent image that captures the 3 colours of the First Nations Flag. Crisp image of his face – love the light circle in top right.
Lovers’ Walk…Low Tide
by Owen Hutchison
JUDGES COMMENTS
I really enjoy the mark making in this work. The rhythm of the trees and the beauty of the composition. Technical dexterity is impressive.
Impermanence
by Alice Tsou
JUDGES COMMENTS
Really loved this work – would like to see more variety of colour in the water. Beautiful subtlety in the sky of rainbows. Some exquisite painting but shows an over reliance on photography.
Fellows Selection
Open to eligible RQAS Members. Selected by Dr Kay Kane FRQAS
Overlooking the Bay
by Dr Ekaterina Strounina
SELECTORS COMMENTS
I cannot pretend other than I loved this image immediately. The colours of the Poinciana blossoms – so Brisbane- literally dances across the upper third of the painting while the triangular structure of the trees branches lead your eye down to what is a typical QLD home. The eye naturally picks up the bright light to the left of the composition, taking your eye back up to the marvellous vibrant red of the Poinciana blossoms. This work is well structured and unified.
Congratulations to all the recipients of the Petrie Terrace Gallery Awards. Each Selector for the Salon des Refuses has chosen a work to receive this award.
Click here to view the awards presentation and official opening of the Salon des Refuses, or scroll down to view the winners and selectors comments.
Selected by Lewis Miller
Wrapped in Plastic
by Charlotte England
SELECTORS COMMENTS by Andrew Bonneau
A solid sense of form and use of colour, especially in the face. There is a beauty of shape within the folds of the plastic, an innovative composition and a very effective mood, referring to Twin Peaks but not relying on it.
Selected by Andrew Bonneau
Flaneur
by Purple Chang
SELECTORS COMMENTS
Wonderful use of a mid toned imprimatura, with solidly painted lights and transparent shadows. A variety of textural application of paint, and subtle, optical colour contribute to its effect, which is clearly an honesty painted self portrait, done from observation.
Selected by Dr Christine Kirkegard
The Owl of Minerva Flies at Dusk
by Dr Kay Kane
SELECTORS COMMENTS
Subject matter and abstract design considerations are given equal weight in this complex and powerful composition which may compel the viewer to consider the psychological and metaphysical elements of pictorial construction.
Visual relationships and directional rhythms across the canvas explore and synthesize the artist’s encounter with the image of self over time in veiled and overt appearances from the implacable gaze of a central recent self to the cyclic shape punctuations and space interludes of her past reflections.
The gestation of this painting is rooted in the act of many paintings each with its own dynamism of lines shapes and values here striving for a new compositional equilibrium and perhaps ultimately an aesthetic reconciliation.
As a keen hiker, I have been able to study more remote areas and translate them in oil paint. I hope to provide those who are unable to experience these beautiful vistas first hand a taste of the serenity experienced whilst in these areas. With the fast progression of global warming I fear these beautiful areas and the wildlife that lives within, will significantly change during my lifetime. My mission is to leave painted images of our world pre-climate change to remind mankind of their careless neglect.
Born and bred in Brisbane, I have also lived in London, Sydney and Melbourne. Whenever I am travelling overseas, I feel the pull of my beautiful Australia and am always grateful to be living in such a wonderful city and country!
When I’m not painting, I run ART ST (www.artst.com.au @artstbrisbane), an online art gallery that helps to promote Brisbane’s Emerging Artists and their art.
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