Belinda Strickland

I returned to painting last year after a long absence. While I have kept up some informal modes of art practice, I started Sunday classes with Lucy Fekete at VAS at the beginning of 2024 and have been coming ever since. These classes suit my style of working on my own subject matter under Lucy’s respectful, patient guidance with my current choice of medium: acrylic.

Education

I trained and registered as an architect, working in practice for 12 years. I am currently non-practising, but retain a love for the built environment, as evidenced in my painting. I don’t choose heroic views; my subject matter tends to be a casually encountered view or scene.

Artist's Statement

I don’t aim for truth to the detail of the subject or to the colours of the original subject matter. As I was finishing ‘Corner of my street’, I was listening to a classical musician talk about her approach to works when they are veering somewhat from the classical path. She said the music has to sound ‘inevitable’. I liked this concept and felt it was equally applicable to painting.

I had put off a return to painting, primarily citing a lack of dedicated space and time. I realised that I don’t need the former (I have set myself up in my living room), and I prioritised making time for classes. I discovered that a number of students (and teachers at VAS) also work out of their respective living rooms and kitchens. If you want an art practice, you can make it happen.

As a young adult, I prompted my mother, June Strickland, to take classes with my teacher Carol. June has since had a 30-year-plus art practice selling many of her beautiful pastels and paintings along the way. Coming full circle, it was my own daughter Belén who prompted my journey back into painting – quite simply, she wanted to see me painting again.

Belinda Strickland painting in the VAS Studio taken by Dolores Sanding

'Poolside at Rippon Lea', acrylic by Belinda Strickland

The class environment is a very encouraging and congenial atmosphere. I have learned and relearned many things returning to painting. From the outset, Lucy encouraged me to document my progress, which is such a useful practice. She also suggested that I document my colours. ‘Do you remember how you got this colour?’ (No! but now my sketchbook notes can prompt me). Lucy has also taught me to look for reflected areas of light and gradations of colour. I have picked up some techniques along the way to assist my practice; one of my fellow students, Liz, introduced me to the concept of the wet palette (an absolute time saver), and another introduced me to taping my lines (a lightbulb moment! Thanks Kay!).

Belinda Strickland, winner of the 2025 VAS Spring Select Exhibition with her acrylic painting titled

'Corner of my street'

Art is an important aspect of my life. I often make time on the weekends to visit art exhibitions, including travelling to both regional and interstate exhibitions. Some recent exhibitions of inspiration have been the ‘French Impressionism’ at the NGV, ‘Turner & Australia’ at the Gippsland Art Gallery and ‘Framed’ at the Castlemaine Art Museum. Luckily, I share this interest with my partner who often accompanies me and enjoys critiquing the work. And, it’s always a delight to see the new exhibitions at VAS.

I’m really looking forward to continuing my association with VAS and seeing where my art practice will take me.