Belynda Henry has been painting Australian landscapes for over 25 years, drawing on her local environment as a source of inspiration, and a way to explore her own memories. In Waterfalls and Waterholes, the Archibald and Wynne Prize-shortlisted artist applies her distinctive style that captures natural forms through loose, gestural movements. This collection depicts the artist’s experience of living and working in the lush valley of the Central Coast, as well as a recent visit to the tropical and verdant Daintree Rainforest.
While travelling, Belynda made many small studies of the area, and brought them back to the studio. She explains, ‘I noticed a whole new visual language evolving, and out poured 18 small canvases and works on paper, that to me seemed more vibrant and energetic than what I was painting before I left.’ With the threat of a crocodile around every corner, while wandering the Daintree, Belynda’s peaceful scenes are now ‘mixed with an emotional and thrilling landscape discovery.’
Belynda paints what is literally in front of her, but explains that this really is ‘a summary of everything [she has] seen, learnt, felt, and observed over the last 20-something years of creating’. Her glistening pools of blue and green have a dreamlike quality, and draw the viewer into their cooling and mysterious environments.
The artist explains ‘I’m obsessed by the landscape; landscapes move me, their colours inspire me.’ Realised in a series of oil paintings on textured linen, as well as the expressive gouache on paper works for which she is renowned, Waterfalls and Waterholes is imbued with the exhilarating freshness of cool water on a warm day, embracing the lush lyricism of these landscapes.
Waterfalls and Waterholes
Belynda Henry
November 26 – December 15
Australian Galleries
15 Roylston Street
Paddington, New South Wales
