Kaye Bellis

Education

I am a Melbourne based artist, living for most of my life in the bayside area but now living in an inner city suburb. Time spent drawing and painting allows me to be transported into a place of relaxation and stillness – a rare thing in the busy life I lead between my family and friends, work in the healthcare industry and staying fit and healthy.

My work is primarily observational studies of beautiful and interesting creatures and features from nature. Australian animals, exotic birds and African animals are among my favorite subjects. I love to see these creatures with my own eyes, photograph them and then create a piece from this combined collection of information.

Currently I work mostly in graphite and coloured pencils which allow a great level of detail, letting me achieve a degree of realism, depth and warmth. I also regularly challenge myself to use other medium such as pastel and watercolor, which forces me to loosen up and enjoy a more free moving style and process. My earlier works where often larger and often quite colourful. Over my artistic journey from the late 1990’s until now I have refined and developed my own style and am happiest working where I can develop the personality of the animal or bird or bring to life the environment in fine detail.

I was a member of Mentone Mordialloc art group (MMAG) for over 15 years and attended sessions there with Jenny Perkins, Janet Matthews and more recently with Linda Weil. I displayed works in many of their exhibitions over many years. I have also attended pastel and charcoal workshops run by Marjory Hummel Bennett. I regularly attend master classes at Janet Matthews’s studio and have recently started attending some singe day art classes with Linda Weil.

I am currently an active member of VAS and AGRA.

I was awarded Best drawing in show in 2014 for my graphite depiction of an emu and have been awarded highly commended twice at MMAG exhibitions.

I had my first solo exhibition in 2014 at St. Nicholas Gallery Mordialloc and my second in March 2017 at Gallery 550 Richmond. I was invited to be “artist in residence “at Dingley Primary School last year during education week, where students had been working in graphite.

I have also exhibited in the

·         Chelsea Art Show (many times),

·         Bayside Art Show

·         Camberwell Art Show

·         Domino’s Café

·         Mordialloc Wine Bar

·         VAS

·         AGRA

·         Alfred health

Group/class exhibitions

·         Kingston Art Gallery

·         St. Nicholas gallery,

·         Grace’s Cafe

·         Wine and Cheese Gallery

·         VAS

As well as having pieces in private homes in New Zealand, England, France and throughout Australia.

I have no formal education in art but developed my own style through the guidance of many tutors and trial and error. I welcome the opportunity to attend more workshops, classes and learn from other artists. I see my artistic journey as having no end but one where the road will often deviate as my knowledge and technique continue to mature.