Country: Netherlands
About me
Annette’s paintings are a reflection of the transition she made from Australia, the land of her birth, to her adopted home in the Netherlands. From the spectacular scenery of the Outback to the subtle landscapes of Brabant and the surrounding countryside, her earlier works in oil, acrylic and mixed media have given way to the medium in which she now specialises, water colour.
Originally a graphic designer by profession, she has a background in illustration, advertising and photography, is accomplished in life drawing and now inspires potential young artists as a teacher in international education in Eindhoven. She has been drawing and painting for as long as she can remember, and produced her first successful work at the age of fifteen.
Annette’s style has little to do with the classic concept of water colour painting, such as still lifes, composed scenes and formal subjects. Although the technique may be similar, she paints in an abstract way, describing it as ‘an alchemy of water, pigment and a hint of bistre.’ This last ingredient, made from the soot of burnt wood is evident in some of her paintings in which the vivid colours of the Australian bush have been transformed into the subtle shapes and hues of her European surroundings.
‘Each time I face the white blank surface it is the same challenge, the same exciting energy…’ This energy has led to her paintings being exhibited in the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy, while a few of her earlier works remain in her native Melbourne.
