Five paintings of scenes from everyday life in Australia.

Loreto Normanhurst

Darug Country

Snapshots of Sydney Summer

Painting

Oil on canvas

My body of work explores suburban scenes characteristic of Australian life. I give these everyday scenes new meaning by representing slightly comical episodes of Australian life: a regular but unwelcome visitor in the shower; shoes tossed haphazardly on the porch; a grand green view from a balcony replaced with that of a drying towel. My intention is to convey an atmosphere that is nostalgic and familiar for Australian audiences, while elevating the scenes beyond the ordinary to a status of deserving contemplation through the medium of oil painting. A burnt sienna wash adds a red tone referencing Australia’s red sand.

My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Fiona Greenhill, Arthur Streeton, Girolamo Nerli.

ARTEXPRESS 2024 is a collaboration between NSW Department of Education and NSW Education Standards Authority, curated and presented by Hazelhurst Arts Centre.