100 Artworks for a Koala entry by Sandi LEAR. Title: ‘ Meliora ‘ – watercolour
100 Artworks for a Koala entry by Sandi LEAR. Title: ‘ Dusk ‘ – watercolour
Sandi LEAR
Award-winning watercolour fine artist based in New South Wales, Australia
Soulful, atmospheric, moody, ethereal, Sandi’s style is full of movement, capturing her subject with light and colour.
Title artwork 1 “Meliora”
W 76 cm x H 56 cm | Watercolour on full sheet deckle edge on Arches 300 gsm.
“Endangered, homeless, our koalas are desperately trying to recover. Braving the elements, ravages of man and fire, the does come down from the canopy with their joeys, searching for sustenance, water and a new home. They will not find it without mankind’s help. We could do well to learn from the perseverance of these most precious Australians, navigating their way through an every changing environment, their tenacity, bravery in defence of their young and their boundaries, learning the balance of life, precarious as it may be at times. They exemplify dedication in their fight for survival, as they courageously make their way toward a better life, a brighter future.” Sandi LEAR
Title artwork 2 ‘ Dusk ‘
W 42cm x H 59cm (unframed) | Watercolour on Arches 300 gsm
“Dusk falls on the plight of our koalas, threatened by disease, clearances, and now….fire. Dusk also heralds the end of a day, with a new one to follow. As our koalas are nursed and nourished back to health, we plant native gums to repopulate their habit. Releases back to the wild will come next, a slow recovery, but with dedication, planning and careful husbandry, so “Dusk” climbs into a healthy future, always looking upward… to the canopy, safety, security…the sun…the future. “ Sandi LEAR
Artist bio
Sandi LEAR: Soulful, atmospheric, moody, ethereal, Sandi’s style is full of movement, capturing her subject with light and colour. A deep connection with nature, especially endangered species, the ocean, and water is obvious in most work.
Sandi was born in Victoria, Australia and immediately set upon travelling the country, with her parents in charge. This paved the way for an exciting and challenging life. Departing Australia in the early 80’s Sandi became a ‘citizen of the world’ for the next 16 years. Returning home, she became an OIC/Paramedic, a wonderful career of some 15 years, culminating in her Masters of Medical Science and a member of the first cohort of Physician Assistants in Australia. Life however took a right turn. Encouraged by her partner to pick up a pencil Sandi completed her first painting in 2012 winning the title of Best Emerging Artist that year. Passionate about the incredible facets of the medium, totally immersed in the ebb and flow across the paper, there was really no other option than to pursue excellence in Contemporary Watercolour.
With many inspirational artists to admire, Sandi sought and gained the attention of the eminent Mr. Morten Solberg, Master Watercolourist who is represented in many collections including the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery, and who remains her e-mentor. Fascinated, Sandi allows her choice of pigments to move and interact with the water and each other in a dance across the paper, very little colour mixing occurs in the palette instead the colours are invited to mingle, push and tangle according to their personalities. Totally absorbed by this interplay, Sandi accentuates light and life in her work, suggesting the whole but capturing the es- sence of her subject. Carefully choosing the title and writing prose for each piece imbues the work with a deeper understanding of the influence and the story.
Winning awards both in Australia and internationally, Sandi is an avid contributor to conservation activities and has donated work to raise funds and awareness for such organizations as ‘Living with Wolves’ and ‘Project Orangutan’. She is a Signature Member with Artists for Conservation and a member of the Susan K Black Foundation, amongst others. Her work may be found in private and public collections around the globe.
Artist exhibitions
2019 – Watercolour Duo Exhibition – joint exhibition with Mr Charles Frizzell at The Longworth Gallery, Santa Fe, NM; SKB Foundation Small Works Exhibition, Dubois, Wyoming; Annual Artists Exhibition – The Longworth Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
2018 Artists for Conservation/27th World Ornithological Congress – Vancouver, Canada, ‘Silent Skies’ Mural (6 pieces) to go on world tour; Watercolour Duo Exhibition – joint exhibition with Mr Charles Frizzell at The Longworth Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
2017 Artists for Conservation Annual Virtual Exhibition – two works selected; Watercolour Duo Exhibition – joint exhibition with Mr Charles Frizzell at The Longworth Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
2016 Annual Open Exhibition ongoing – GLAS Gallery, Forster, New South Wales 2015 ongoing – The Longworth Gallery – Santa Fe, NM, USA
2015 Cairns Art Society’s Artist of the North – Tanks, Cairns
2015 Cairns Art Escape Exhibition of artists’ work – Tanks, Cairns
2014 Yungaburra Village Artists – Exhibition & auction
2014 Cairns Art Society 67th Annual Exhibition – Cairns Regional Art Gallery, two works selected as finalist 2014 TAP Gallery – Darlinghurst, New South Wales
2014 ‘Freedom’ Solo Exhibition – Hallidays Point Library & Gallery, New South Wales
2014 Lakeside Festival – Forster, New South Wales
2014 Tolga Woodworks & Gallery – booked as the solo exhibiting watercolour artist for the year
2012 Cairns Art Escape Exhibition of artists’ work – Tanks, Cairns
2012 Mission Arts – Mission Beach, Queensland – exhibition post awards for one year
Artist awards
2020 – QWASI Biennial International Nature in Art 2020, Overall Best Wildlife Art on Exhibit and Best Fauna on Exhibit, QLD
2018 – Honourable Mention – SKB Small Works Exhbition, Wyoming
2017 – Highly Commended – Watercolour Port Stephens Art Prize
2016 – Winner Open Painting – Inaugural Lakeside Festival Art Prize
2016 – Highly Commended – GLAS Annual Open Exhibition, Forster, NSW
2016 – Dubai Emerging Artist Award – finalist
2014 – 2nd place open media, 2nd place watercolour – Atherton Show, QLD
2012 – Best Emerging Artist – Mission Arts, Qld
Artist contact
© BASA Pilar
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