Artist Clifford How in his St Leonards studio working on Harvest Sky. Picture: NEIL RICHARDSON
Launceston artist Clifford How has looked to the environs of Blackwood Creek for the two paintings he is entering in an exhibition to celebrate 200 years' settlement of the Norfolk Plains.
How is one of dozens of Northern Tasmanian artists entering works in an exhibition organised to recognise the landscape, heritage and people of the Norfolk Plains.
How has painted rural scenes around Toiberry with the Great Western Tiers beyond.
``I wanted my paintings to have the feeling of heat for this time of year, I wanted to capture the dryness in the paddocks,'' How said.
``It's an emotional response to my rural upbringing I suppose.''
How works en plein air as well as from sketches and photographs to prompt his memory.
``Working en plein air captures colour more accurately, while sketching helps composition and scale,'' he said.
``I've recently been experimenting with mixing beeswax into my oil paints and I really love the depth of texture.''
The Norfolk Plains exhibition, being held at Eskleigh, Perth, has been organised by the Launceston Art Society in conjunction with the Northern Midlands Council and will be officially opened on Friday by Dr Nic Haygarth.
The council is offering a $2000 prize to the best work as well as four $300 prizes for commendations.
AT A GLANCE
WHAT: Art of Norfolk Plains Exhibition.
WHERE: Eskleigh, Scone Drive, Perth.
WHEN: Saturday, February 16, until Monday, March 11; open daily, 9am to 4pm weekdays, and 10am to 3.30pm on weekends.
By MARY MACHEN