Arts

Artists from Lapstone to Linden in the Blue Mountains will open their studio doors to the public for the Blue Mountains Arts Trail on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 April 2018.

"The Blue Mountains Arts Trail gives the public a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes and meet the artists", says Graham Tribe, President of the Blue Mountains Artists Network which arranges the Arts Trail.

"It is also an opportunity for artists to explain and show the work they have put so much of their hearts and souls into", Mr Tribe says.

Some 13 studios are participating in stage 1 of the Arts Trail, with all kinds of art on show, ranging from paintings to pottery, mosaics to multimedia, photography, ceramics, glassworks and more.

Glenbrook's Stephen Travers is just one of the artists participating in this year's Arts Trail.

"I have been painting for 10 years on and off and for three years I have been painting full-time", Mr Travers says.

Asked why he loves to paint, Travers cites his love of nature. "My work reflects my fascination with the light, colour, textures, shapes, patterns and spirit of the Australian bush."

Mr Travers uses a natural colour palette – "neutral tones of purple, with charcoal grey, raw umber, warm reds and blues" – to depict tree canopies and native flowers such as waratahs and wattles.

Arts Trail visitors also learn valuable insights about art by interacting directly with the artist.

"The painted image is framed similarly to a view through a window", Mr Travers says. "Without the familiarity of whole objects, the eye is compelled to roam the canvas, seeking meaning as it attempts to categorise and scale the visual fragment it sees."

"While the eye moves within the boundaries of the canvas, the mind can go beyond its edges, finding commonality with the individual elements of the painted image, evoking its own sensory experiences and memories of the Australian bush", he adds.

The Blue Mountains Arts Trail brings the artist into closer contact with their audience, says Travers. "The Arts Trail allows me to connect with the wider world, so when a visitor looks at my work the feedback is genuine and impartial and encourages me to push on."

The Arts Trail is free and visitors can plan their visits using the map of participating galleries. Click below for the link.

The Blue Mountains Artists Network arranges four Arts Trails each year. The Lapstone to Linden Arts Trail in April will be followed by one stretching from Woodford to Mount Victoria in June.

Don’t miss 2018’s Stage 1 Arts Trail! 10am to 4pm, Saturday 7 April and Sunday 8 April 2018

Blue Mountains Arts Trail MAP