Shirley Urquhart

Relatively new as an art practitioner, I began watercolour lessons 16 years ago. Realising this was a difficult medium to master, I had always admired the glow, freshness and spontaneity of watercolour painting.

Immediately, I took advantage of Winter and Summer Art schools held at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst and participated in, and was inspired by, workshops conducted by some of Australia’s leading watercolourists as well as international artists.

My inspiration for painting landscapes is taken from the local environment, using strong colour and tone and a variety of subject matter and technique, dry brush and wet into wet. Still lifes and Interiors, featuring red chairs, are fun subjects and I enjoy the challenge of creating eye-catching compositions.

I have endeavoured to pass on my love of watercolour in the district by conducting Saturday classes over many years and have also been asked to conduct workshops in neighbouring areas. I am now exploring and learning all the different approaches to printmaking with its endless creative possibilities. I have attended printmaking workshops to improve my skills and share these skills one day a month in the studio room at the Creative Art Centre Gunnedah for those who wish to learn printmaking. I have participated, successfully, in local shows and art exhibitions and have been fortunate to win many ribbons and awards. I have demonstrated at some of these exhibitions, and been asked to judge. I organise many workshops with professional artists in all mediums for our local community to provide instruction, encouragement, and inspiration, and help the artists build on their skills.

Shirley has attended Winter and Summer Art schools held at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst, various workshops. Shirley has won a number of awards and ribbons at Shows and Exhibitions, and has also been invited to judge shows.