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SURF Beach resident Robert Picknell is brushing up on his oil painting skills for Batemans Bay Arts and Crafts Society’s art exhibition in Batemans Bay next month.
Work commitments earlier in Robert’s life meant he had to shelve any artistic pursuits, but that changed when he and his wife Karen moved to the Eurobodalla.
His next move was to join Batemans Bay Art and Craft Society.
Robert, who has been painting for eight years, and more recently on very large canvases, describes his style as realistic.
A self-taught artist, he paints colourful canvases that express his love of nature and scenery in his tranquil home studio.
He carries his camera everywhere to record sources of inspiration, and sometimes he does paint outdoors.
“As romantic as that may sound, unless the weather conditions are perfect, it can turn into a bit of a disaster,” he said, in reference to a swarm of flying ants that took a liking to a wet oil painting.
In the past, Robert only exhibited close to home, but now places his work in national and regional exhibitions.
His works currently hang in Wattlebark Art Gallery at Mogo and at Izabells Restaurant in Batemans Bay.
He is now working full-time to finish five paintings for the society’s 30th members’ exhibition in January.
The majority of the society’s 130 members are expected to submit work for judging in the several categories - painting, drawing, pastel, craft and sculpture.
The official opening, over wine and cheese, will be held at 6pm on January 2, when the winners will be announced.
The show will then be open from 10am to 4pm daily from January 3 to 18 at Batemans Bay High School in Beach Road.