Rodney Edelsten

Gordon Moffatt AM Spring Prize: Exhibition Winner 

Gipsee

Pastel on Board

I had little interest in painting in my youth but was introduced into the art world when I met my wife Esther who had studied art. Gallery visits and painting however were set aside for us both when raising our family and business commitments.

Rodney Edelsten VAS working in his studio

In 1986 I stepped away from my business for a year and together with my family we travelled Australia enjoying the incredible beauty of our country.

Self Portrait

Oil Painting

It was during this time that I picked up a pencil one day and began to sketch. I knew immediately that this was something I needed to reintroduce into my life.

Richard

Pastel

Upon return, I enrolled in an Art Class at the Victorian Artists Society. Over the next five years with tutors Shirley Bourne, Lee Machelak and Paul McDonald Smith, each not only taught me the value of tonal oil painting but increased my appreciation of fine art.

Self Reflection

Oil 

I have been a member of VAS for over thirty years and now a Signatory member. It was at VAS where I met with other artists and was introduced to the medium of pastel – its vibrancy and immediacy.

Friday Nude

Pastel

I joined the Pastel Society of Victoria and, as a longtime member and former Treasurer, I have qualified as a Signatory Member. A visit to the first Doug Moran Portrait Exhibition inspired a passion for portrait and figure painting.

Jack

Pastel

Being a member of the VAS Friday Group has played a very important part in the development of my painting. Sharing and learning from other artists in that historical studio is a highlight of my week. I also joined the Brighton Art Society where I attend Portrait and Life untutored workshops. I am now a Life Member of the Brighton Art Society having served on the committee for 22 years. As I only paint from life, when not having access to life models I regularly paint self portraits which I have found to be a beneficial practice. 

Anna

Pastel

I have been fortunate to be awarded for my work in both pastel and oil throughout Australian exhibitions. Highlights include a self portrait selected in the Salon Des Refuses at the Sydney S.H. Erwin Gallery, Nada Hunter Portrait Award at the Victorian Artists Society, the Brighton Art Society, Royal Society of Arts South Australia - Kennedy Foundation Portrait Award, and twice Best in Show at the Pastel Society of Victoria.

Tim

Oil