HISTORY EXHIBITIONS PRESS
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The following pages are a Pictorial and Editorial account of my education in Australia, and my early career choices before turning to Art full-time. It also includes stories of inspiration gleamed from travel and memorable, truly syncronistic moments in time with people and places that led to some of my proudest achievements so far. This retrospection has made me even more appreciative of how fortunate I have been in my artistic endeavours since that fateful day in 1996 when I 'decided' to become an Painter. Of course, as is the norm when pursuing pure creative passions, responses are not always positive, exact goals are not always met. But, even those unexpected results can, in turn, become advantageous.
I grew up in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. I attended Nunawading State School where my most vivid memories were winning the Hoola-Hoop Marathon, acting out Shirley Bassey songs in the playground and playing Marbles (and winning) against the boys every recess. Moved to Forest Hill State School where I spent most of my years drawing and colouring large pictures on paper from my book of Alice in Wonderland which were often on display in the hallways. I remember spending every penny of my pocket-money on coloured Derwent Pencils for my drawings. Even now, some 40 years later, 'Alice' sometimes makes an appearance in my original oils on canvas. Not surprising considering the tenacity of memory when it comes to our childhood influences, with or without acknowledgment.
 I then attended Nunawading High School where, once again, my favourite and best subject was Art Expression, then Sports. After 3 years at High School, I transferred to the highly reputed Private Girls School - Methodist Ladies College in Kew, Melbourne. My Artistic abilities were duly noted during my firs year there, but the next year I opted to do their well-recognised Business Diploma Course. I was Dux of the Class and awarded Honours...next thing I knew....I was in the workforce as a Private Secretary. A far cry from the Artist I had always wanted to be, but, in the 70's girls were expected to be either Nurses, Hairdressers or Secretaries....an artistic career was definitely not for serious consideration! Early career moves... I was appointed Secretary / House Model to the National Sales Manager of Sterling Colonial Jeans. I recall modelling the latest jean designs for Craig Kimberley of Just Jeans in the very early days. From there I became Secretary to the Retail Manager in a high-profile St.Kilda Road Advertising Agency, Darcy MacManus and Masius. Within a few months I was promoted to Account Executive and then moved on and up to the International Agency, Leo Burnett. Next came a promotion to Account Manager and another move, this time to local Award-winning Agency, Leonardi & Curtis. For several years I worked as a 'suit' in the Agencies on retail fashion and home furnishing name brands. I recall launching Yves Saint Laurent Menswear in the print media in Australia and the brand Lacoste. With a strong desire to become a 'Creative' rather than a 'Suit' I launched my own business in the mid 80's - Gwenda McDougall Conceptual Marketing Pty.Ltd. It was an indulgent time for Graphic Design and Printing - 4-colour process, gold-leaf logos, embosssing. I was able to design, create and print elaborate Corporate Identities and glossy brochures for my National client list until the bubble burst in the late 80's.... and the good times changed with the inevitable recession. I decided to travel. I'd done the obligatory trips around the world twice by this time, inbetween career moves, and it seemed good timing to set off again. Following several months spent in Europe, notably observing the trend for Interior Painted Finishes on Walls and Furniture, I returned to Melbourne, experimented in my home, then launched my own business 'Faux Impressions'. For several years I painted 'sky' ceilings in lofty Mansions, large Trompe l'oeil Murals in homes Restaurants, pattern-matched and painted furniture to match curtains or rugs, and 'marbelised' cement pillars. I soon introduced a custom-makeup service for curtains and sofa's and colour consulation advice. I was often a Guest Demonstator for Dulux Paints and began teaching the art of painted finishes to DIY's. Faux Impressions became an all-encompassing Decor Business operating out of an upstairs Studio and Showroom in Church Street, Brighton a very nice suburb in the city of Melbourne.
Faux Impressions - self-employed from 1988
Showroom display
Painted furniture/glass/walls in Showroom
Faux Impressions at work in Melbourne Restaurant
Wall Finishes in Edwardian Home
A bedroom for a Princess
Hand-painted Wardrobe to match patterned rug
Meditteranean inspired Trompe l'oeil
Trompe l'oeil
mural complete
Home Beautiful Annual Issue 1994
Article on my Home in Home Beautiful
Country Looks Magazine - in Showroom
Melbourne Age Newspaper article
VOGUE LIVING Magazine April'95
VOGUE LIVING Magazine November '96
In the early 90's the Auricula Flower had become very popular in Europe as a decorating theme. I was inspired to design my own collection based on this dainty flower. From my original series of original Watercolours I launched 'The Auricula Collection' at DESIGNEX '94 - a Trade Event - in Melbourne. The subsequent articles in Australian Magazines saw my Prints and matching Cushions remain popular for several years until I 'rested' the Collection in 2000.
Designex '94 - Interior Decor Trade Event
Auricula promotional material
Trio of Auricula's Print & Cushion
Auricula watercolour
Auricula Collection - Baroque Planter
Auricula Collection - Imari Planter
Auricula Collection - Sotheby Porcelain Planter
Auricula Collection - Majolica Elephant Planter
Showroom
Decorative Cushion Range
Items from the Collection
Country Looks Magazine 1994 - Ode to the Auricula
In the early Nineties, my Grandmother gave me a set of Watercolours. I began teaching myself how to use them in my spare time. Of course, I was used to acrylic and enamel wall paints on my Faux Impressions commissions, but painting on paper with watercolours was new to me. I experiemented in my spare time. I recall spending 5 days and night painting my first picture and challenging myself with intricate images:
'Green Shutters' - my first watercolour
'My favourite things' - my second attempt
Flowers with Staffordshires & Louis Clock - my third attempt
'Summer Fruits' wrapping paper design in Watercolour
After several years operating my Decor business in Melbourne and an increasing demand for my 'spare time' paintings, I decided to relocate to the Sunny Climate of the beachside town of Noosa, Queensland, to concentrate soley on becomming a Professional Artist'. I would allow myself six months of self-taught painting indulgence....to see where it could lead. Noosa proved a great choice. I experimented with Acrylics on canvas and by early 1997 I had enough originals for a solo exhibition. In the meantime, I'd developed a new palate of colours - Noosa Style - and new concepts. My first 'Bathers & Towel/After the Swim' painting was published on the front cover of 'Noosa Blue' magazine and various articles on my paintings appeared in local papers. My inaugural solo exhibition was a true celebration of my relocation to Noosa. Justifying the previous six months, teaching myself to paint, and the influences of my new surrounds.
'Sun-Sea-Style' showcard
'Sempre vicino al mare' - large painting for Noosa exhibition
Matisse's Balcony
Cover - NOOSA BLUE Magazine
Heliconia's in spotted vase - acrylic on canvas
'Ocean Island' acrylic on canvas
NOOSA BLUE Magazine Article
NOOSA BLUE Magazine '97
It is said.... Life is not made up by the amounts of breaths we take....but by the moments that take your breath away! I had one of those moments in early '97 when I received an International personal phone call on my mobile from Stephanie Hoppen in London. I'd previously sent a video of my Noosa paintings to her Gallery. The Stephanie Hoppen Gallery in Knightsbridge, London is well-known world-wide for specialising in Decorative Art. She offered to include my work in her forthcoming Group Showing that Summer in London. Without delay I began new paintings for her - smaller versions of my 'Day at the Beach' large canvases that I'd exhibited in Noosa. Only this time I painted them in watercolours on fine art paper. I travelled to London for the Summer Show that July and to my delight, my series of 4 original watercolours sold immediately. Within the same year 2 of my paintings from the Jardin Topiary Collection were published by MODERN ART Editions of New York.
A Day at the Beach - set of 4 original Watercolours
I had met Monsieur Patrick Frey, Chairman of Pierre Frey Fabrics, at a Trade Event in Melbourne in 1994. Whilst in London I was aware Patrick was the VIP Guest at the Annual House & Garden Decor Trade Show and was able to set up a meeting with him at this Fulham Road Showroom. I presented my idea to create a fabric design based on my original watercolour images - as shown and sold at the London exhibition. Patrick was most enthusiastic and commissioned me to proceed. When I eventually returned to Australia I commenced my design and couriered the large finished image to his Paris Head Office six months later. I had 'over-indulged' with my colours, making it a very expensive design to reproduce. Fortunately, Patrick went ahead and in 2000 my design was launched worldwide as a Decorator Fabric known as 'HONOLULU'. (I have now released my original image as a Fine Art Edition available to order on Canvas. See On-Line Catalogue on this website.)
World-reknowned Pierre Frey Fabrics, based in Paris
With Monsieur Patrick Frey, London Showroom
Honolulu - original painting -see Fine Art Editions to order large print on canvas
Honolulu
After my showing in London, a fortuitious meeting with Patrick Frey and a quick trip to Portugal - to see their Majolica tilework - I flew via Los Angeles en route back to Austalia. However, once again, good fortune came my way. I was to spend one night at the luxurious Hotel Sofitel in Beverly Hills and fly home the next day but within 24 hours the General Manager, Ms.Cindy Johnson, had appointed me as Artist-in-Residence and I was commissioned to paint 5 large originals for the Hotel. I lived at the Sofitel and painted all works simultaneously in one of their large Boardrooms. The finished framed paintings were hung just one hour before Opening Night. It was an intense but wonderful time.
Hotel Sofitel, Beverly Hills,L.A.
French Provincial Decor
With General Manager, Ms.Cynthia Johnson
Original still-life
Large Original (left-side)
Large Original (right-side)
Touch-ups in situ
Opening Night
Upon my return to Noosa in late 1997 following my successful overseas adventure, I moved on yet again. This time to the Harbour City of Sydney. Of course, I had a plan....to be Artist-in-Residence at the famous Balmoral Bathers Pavilion Restaurant at Balmoral Beach. After approaching the Owner, Victoria Alexander, she graciously agreed to my idea - to spend the Summer of 97/98 actually painting within the unique 'homely yet very stylish' interiors of the large Restaurant with the perfect sea-views. After 4 months, my completed paintings on paper were purchased by Victoria for her private collection. Six months in Sydney and I was on the move again....couldn't resist the irrepresable urge to return to Europe.
Bathers Pavilion Restaurant.Balmoral Beach, Sydney
With Victoria Alexander
View from the beach
Interior montage - acrylic on paper
Restaurant Interior - 'my painting space'
'A swim, then breakfast' - interior still-life on paper
Interior
'Billo Boat' interior still-life acrylic on canvas
Brochure - front cover
Brochure
Brochure page 3
Brochure page 2
Another reconnaisance journey to Europe for inspiration. Took along a large canvas I had painted purely out of a passion for the design, colour and fabric mixing of French Fashion doyen Monsieur Christian Lacroix. I visited his stunning Head Office behind his Paris Boutique in Rue Saint Honore du Fauborg and left my painting there for him to view - if he would be good enough to do so. Without delay I was called and returned to his Office. He had written and signed a lovely letter praising my painting and giving his written approval for the carte blanche use of my image in whatever merchandising/promotional capacity I sought in the future.
'Tribute painting to the life and passions of Fashion Designer, Christian Lacroix'
Christian Lacroix Letter
section from original painting
When I returned to Australia in late 1999 I opened my own Summer Gallery on the Mornington Peninsula at Portsea Beach with the intention of a a prolonged Summer Vacation, situated only 200 metres from the water. As it happened the Gallery was very succesful and I spent most of that Summer keeping up with demand. A very nice situation to be in I admit. Later that year my paintings were displayed at the First Settlement Gallery in Sorrento, a neighbouring seaside township. Private Commissions then kept me busy for the next two years.
Agapanthus still-life on canvas
Exhibition showcard
Sunflowers (see Fine Art Editions)
Mornington Peninsula (see Fine Art Edition)
Being self-taught in Watercolour and Acrylics, I ventured onto Oil paints on canvas and later Belgian linens.I found the depth and brilliance of colours I could achieve, especially using the crimsons and reds as often I can, was unsurpassed. Once you've painted in oils, it's hard to go back to any other medium.
Jade Birdcage II
Boxer Dog in Turban
Oriental Planters with Pink Orchids
Oriental Planters with White Orchids
My first Exhibition in my hometown of Melbourne, was held at the Rose Street Gallery. I showed a variety of new oil paintings, from an very large canvas of a reclining woman in chinese robes*, to highly decorative still-lifes of Birds and Fruits, each individually framed to compliment the decorative qualities of the painting. (see FINE ART EDITIONS for images of Birds with Fruit and RETROSPECTIVE ORIGINALS for 'Sumptuous Abandon'*).
Rose Street Gallery
Art Magazine Ad
Showcard
Cherry Season
At the Invitation of the lovely Sarah Kingham (Essex,London) who was living in Singapore at the time, I displayed my originals and reproductions at her Tudor Mansion style home in what was known as a 'PRIVATE VIEWING'. An Invitation only event held over 3 days. It was extremely successful and my work was purchased by local and international clientele and shipped worldwide.
Singapore Exhibition -Showcard
Singapore Invitation
showcard
showcard
Following my successful exhibition in Singapore, I once again travelled to Paris to meet with Patrick Frey to personally deliver my second freelance fabric design to him for his consideration. It was a soft blue and white watercolour design, inspired by my series of oil paintings of Chinese Tea-Caddies - as shown. (see FINE ART EDITIONS to purchase prints of these images) The Tea-Caddy fabric is to be released worldwide by Pierre Frey fabrics in January 2009.
With Monsieur Patrick Frey in Paris 2001
caddie1
caddie2
caddie3
'Provence' show at Colours of Provence Store, Melbourne
An merging of Nautical with Provincial themes of Art & Objet d'art
Framed 'Vegetal' watercolour with painted cabinet
CHO-LON was a truly unique retail outlet in Singapore. It was an eclectic mix of collectables, furniture and soft furnishings sourced, predominantly from India and Vietnam, by the inimitable Ros Lovell. It was here that I exhibited my series of original 'Chinese Wedding Cabinets'. They seemed to compliment her decor perfectly.
Chinese Red Armoire
Expat Living Magazine SINGAPORE 2003
Chinese Armoire with small birdcage
In 2003 I was invited by my longtime friends, Mark and Susan Mair, of famed Hair & Beauty Salon in the upmarket inner-city suburb of Toorak to open a small Studio and Gallery space above their Salon. Unbeknowns to me at the time it was sighting a Red Tricycle in a nearby shop window that became the impetus for my paintings for the next few years to come. For the next 2 years I was obsessed with that little Red Trike and produced several originals works. It was the first time that, upon retrospection, I realized I had painted from the heart as personal memories arose and came to life on the canvas. (read story - Red Vintage Collection) Previously I'd been attracted to beautiful objects for my decorative still-lifes, this was something new and completely changed my way of painting.
Red Dot Gallery showcard
'Liberte' original oil painting in 4 panels
Olive Topiary
Red Dot Gallery Exhibition
Art in Motion - Canadian Print Publishers
Jade Birdcage - tryptych
Jade Birdcage II
Oriental Birdcage Framed Prints published by Art in Motion
Filled the year painting Private Commisions, as per 'Pour Rever' pictured, for the very special Houlihan family in Auburn, Melbourne, and several more Red Trike themed oil paintings for Nexus Modern Art Gallery in Melbourne.
Pour Rever
In 2006 I was commissioned to decorate the Dining Room of the Heritage listed Broken Hill Hotel in South Perth. I had a blank slate to work with and decided upon a fun, retro theme using various images from my Red Tricyle and Red Scooter paintings. I hung large prints on canvas and custom-framed smaller images and photographs so each wall and alcove provided a burst of colour and interest for all patrons. The Hotel later won an award for Best Renovation and I've since been told that upon entering the Dining Room, patrons tend to walk around the room looking at each artwork, before sitting, as if in a Gallery.
Exterior - Heritage facade
Dining Room Interior
broken hill 3
broken hill 4
In late 2006, I walked into the Nexus ModernArt Gallery in an inner-city suburb of Melbourne, and met the lovely owner, Melita. Her enthusiasm for my work was palpable and she immediately began to display and sell my originals and continues to do so. www.nexusmodernart.com.au
Alice with White Rabbit
Alice in Scooterland
Trike memories in Red & Blue
Lace dress bird cage
Red velvet dress
lace dress with red shoes
Arthouse Gallery is one of the most respected Galleries in Australia. It has a unique personality and reputation and it's opening events are so well attended patrons are often spilling into the street. It is located in Rushcutters Bay, Sydney. www.arthousegallery.com.au In January I was invited to meet with the Manager, Dallas, to show her my paintings. I was thrilled when she offered to include my work in their Group Showings mid-year. These images are some of the large originals I painted for the Arthouse Gallery. For more details go to Red Vintage Collection on this website.
'Sundown'
'After dark'
'5 o'clock Shadow'
retro
This year began, as usual, with my spending the Summer in Sydney then onto Noosa in February/March. Only this time my Noosa visit was a mix of business and pleasure. I'd been commisioned by my good friend, Lyndon Simmons, to paint 'the view from his award-winning Restaurant, 'Sails' for their inaugural Cookbook by his longtime Chef, Paul. I was delighted to receive these images recently with the anticipated launch of the Cookbook in late 2008. With the forward written by Austalia's most prominent Playwright, David Williamson, (also a Noosa resident after moving from Sydney) and stunning photography, layout and text...not to mention the recipies...I am both flattered and delighted to have been a part of this project.
Cookbook front & back cover
Nautical Sailor Man
Contents page
book 10
Forward by David Williamson
forward continues..
Restaurant Interior
In June of 2008 I set out on another of my worldwide-no set itinerary- adventures, seeking inspiration for my next painting theme and sourcing and observing the latest trends and in the art and design world. I started my journey in Thailand,then Singapore then spent the month of September 08 in Paris. I once again had the pleasure of spending time with Patrick Frey of Pierre Frey fabrics in the heart of Paris, where we finalised colours on my Chinese Tea-Caddy designed Fabric, due for launch a few months later. I then went to London to visit the London Art Fair in Chelsea and visited with the Design team at Paul Smith's eclectic Decor shop in Mayfair. I was delighted when they purchased a pair of my large Red Trike images. I then flew 'across the pond' to New York and straight up to Connecticut to the Village atmosphere of 'Greenwich'. Then, back down to New York. It was my first visit to New York in 25 years and, of course, I loved it! It is the epicentre of the Universe without a doubt. Staying near Union Square I got to know the city quite well, walking each day, going to as many Art Exhibitions as I could, meandering in Central Park, until, the wind chill got the better of me...and it was only late November! I'd been offered exhibition space in a warmer climate, Art Basel Miami to be exact, so with 26 original Red Vintage Collection paintings under my arm, I headed south. Within a week I'd had all my work stretched and/or framed and on display in my Booth. Fortunately for me the 5 day show was a huge success selling all but 2 pieces. I then spent the remainder of December in South Beach, Miami and then decided to go even further south..this time to South America...Buenos Aires in fact. With a side trip to Uraguay my month in B.A. was fabulous and the commercial galleries were eye-opening. Wonderful contemporary paintings, even quite a few 'Alice' themes of which I could immediately relate. And, their National Art Gallery was breathtaking..rivalled Europe for their Art Collection and presentation.
Next came a trip to Lima, Peru...totally unplanned....just the way I like it. Because of the wonderful people I met there I spent 2 months in Miraflores, the main township of Lima. It was there that I found the inspiration I'd been seeking for a new body of work. Most surprisingly,in the guise of a 4 year old Spanish speaking Peruvian girl 'Marisol'. Her Mother, Lucero kindly agreed to allowing me to conduct a professional photoshoot with Marisol in an antique pink princess dress I'd purchased in Buenos Aires (I had no idea why I had to have that dress at the time but it all became crystal clear the minute I saw Marisol). The result was over 300 wonderful photos in poses I'd pre-formatted and which Marisol followed to the letter. My task now is to reduce them to 25 large oil paintings which I hope to exhibit 'somewhere in the world' in late 2010. I have begun work on the first of these paintings...and, as you can see, the proverbial White Rabbit continues to have a presence....he was another Flea Market find...this time in New York. From Peru I returned to North America and spent April in Los Angeles and then May and June in New York where I once again fell in love with the city. Whilst there I put on my Decorating hat and refurbished an Upper East Side apartment and became offay with the Decor Industry in NYC. I was also offered Studio space at the famous Gershwin Hotel in mid-town where I would paint as often as possible. I returned, reluctantly, to Australia in late June, exactly one month after leaving. I spent the first 4 months in Melbourne, working on a large Decorating project for a Penthouse Apartment on St.Kilda Road, and in late October relocated to Sydney. It is now December 2009 and I am living in an authentic Fishermans Cottage by the beach in Camp Cove/Watsons Bay which is a short Ferry ride from the city of Sydney. I have a large Studio to paint in and a lot of work to get on with.... So, until 2010, thank you for taking the time to read all about me. Please email me with any comments or queries and I'll be happy to answer you. Yours in Creativity. Gwenda
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