By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
EVERYONE has an artist inside – and Portarlington’s art group considers itself as proof of the old adage.
The group of men and women busily daubing, oiling and crayoning a variety of surfaces were all wearing smiles and happy to share their artistic secrets when the Independent visited.
But when asked about the purpose of the group, a couple of wags shot back: “It’s called retirement!”
Proving that creativity knows no bounds, the group showed off a variety of mediums and approaches, from realism and abstract to impressionism in oils, acrylics and pastels.
Some confessed they were new to the art world, others had dabbled previously, but all were having fun.
“There’s nowhere else to go for this sort of group,” Dale Afflito confided. “It fulfils a need in this area.
“We don’t get help from the council. It’s run by volunteers, we pay rent for the space, the tutors offer their time for free,” she said.
“But the numbers are big and growing because it’s a lot of fun. We’re especially welcoming for new people to the area – it helps them get to know a few people.”
The group runs regular workshops and puts on exhibitions at local community events. At the end of each term the group holds a “gentle” critique to encourage improvement.
“We can all learn something, even some of the more accomplished artists who help out,” Dale said.
The group is based on the idea that there is no right or wrong way, with the aim of building confidence under the motto ‘Believe in yourself and your work’.
Ocean Grove’s Heather Chadwick said impressionists “inspired” her art because the style allowed her such freedom.
“Pastels can take four weeks to do, whereas I can have an impressionist piece done in a day. It’s free and easy, not pedantic.
“It’s a different thinking process, a different approach. I use a blend of colours – I see myself more as a colourist, using light dark.
“It’s the opposite approach to realistic images.”
Heather said she would probably not be painting if not for the group.
“Being part of the collective motivates you to do the work – I wouldn’t do it at home alone. I never had time, had no experience.
“I heard about it through a friend and loved the enthusiasm. I find myself more creative in the group – I’m prepared to be more experimental because we share so many different ideas.
“We all work at different speeds, it’s part of the individuality. It helps you come out of yourself – we gain inspiration from each other.”
The art group runs at Portarlington Neighbourhood House on Tuesday mornings.
More information is available by phoning 5259 2290 or visiting portnh.org.au.
