En plein air

A Pearl Beach artist will launch an open-air exhibition in the Arboretum of works she has created at the flora and fauna sanctuary.

Marijke Greenway’s ‘Art in the Arboretum’ solo exhibition will be hosted nearby the Arboretum Cottage from Friday, December 3 to Sunday, December 5.

The free exhibition will be open from 9am to 6pm.

Greenway said she painted ‘en plein air’ the scenery of the Arboretum.

“On wandering through, I discovered many paths that I had not taken before, so I hope that my exhibition will stimulate others to appreciate this treasure trove on our doorstep, that we cannot take for granted,” Greenway said.

“I pulled my trolley with my easel and canvas until I came across a subject that appealed to me the most – strong trees, white, red, brown or green, it was the colour and shape that attracted me.

“And then I judge what else is nearby that can create an interesting painting, the small shrubs, or the fallen palm leaves that litter the Arboretum floor and turns it pink.

“I painted the ponds when they were full of water and the beautiful reflections of palms and trees.

“I painted the echidna, the swamp wallaby, the kookaburras and the cockatoos and goannas.

“The Arboretum is naturally messy with branches and leaves and palm fronds wherever they fall.

“That is the difference between an Arboretum and a botanic garden.

“It is wild, totally natural, apart from small paths that give us access to enjoy this pleasure place.

“I am also exhibiting my small Encaustic paintings, which are made of beeswax and oil colour and using a blowtorch instead of a brush, so creating works with textured, unexpected delights.”

Celebration drinks will be held in the Arboretum on December 3, from 5pm to 7pm.

After the exhibition closes, the works will be packed up and taken to Greenway’s gallery on Green Point Rd.

Maisy Rae