Belinda Strickland

Photo of artist by Belen Bui

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.

View to Karori Reservoir

Oil

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.

Byway to the Past

Oil

Colour is an important aspect of my work. I probably spend as much time mixing colours as painting! An early foundational teacher was Carol Boothman. Carol said she taught how to observe, not how to paint. It was also with Carol that I developed my palette using a limited range of colours. When I have tried expanding to different colours, they tend to sit at the bottom of my art trolley, unused! However, since coming to VAS, I have introduced black – particularly to achieve some of my greens – thanks to the suggestion of VAS teacher Swathi Madike.

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.

Sole Figure at Jan Juc

Oil

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.

Como Verandah

Acrylic

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.

Thorndon Throughway, Wellington

Acrylic

Lockdown Leaves

Pencil