An insight into studio practices and techniques

There will be again be a dynamic energy at The Hive Gallery for the return of the Bellarine Art Trail this Melbourne Cup weekend.

An annual event that many local artists look forward to, the bond and inspiration between them is palpable and fabulous for patrons to experience.

To allow an insight into the studio practices and skilled technique, several demonstrations will take place, again from Richard Weatherly in oils, who is always willing to encourage and share his opinions and experience.

His book ‘A Brush with Birds’ continues to be popular for its illustrations and regaling of tales of a life well led in the pursuit of environmental and bird art, with signed coped available.

Following travel overseas that saw the absence of Wayne Elliott in 2023, The Hive welcomes his return to the easel demonstrating in acrylics. His current direction is a little more urban in subject but always true to the narrative and emotion of place he interprets in his recognised naïve style.

Chris Kari Hawke joins ceramicists Karen Steenbergen and Kirsty Manger who will showcase their ability on the wheel and in hand-building in clay. All three keep progressing their form, concept and glaze development. KC Hawke’s recent Artist Residency in Tasmania has led to unique glaze chemistry pieces.

William Linford produced a recent commission fresh from the putting green and this has encouraged a new direction and sport to portray on the canvas. His passion for the surreal also resurfaces in several new works.

Georgie Gall is a new face to the Trail as she is spending much more time on the coast these days, the source of inspiration for the tranquil works she paints.

Much admired, Rod Thom’s wooden bowls are the result of much ‘elbow grease’ and fascinatingly reveal the cellular structure of beautiful timber in his well sanded burls.

Speaking of timber, Jake Lunnis, Ocean Grove’s furniture maker has a wealth of knowledge to impart about all things wood and joinery from a creative man inclined to detail and best practice. The straw marquetry technique he learnt this year has led to the new striking side-tables

Familiar to many as the family real estate agent locally for decades, Phillip Butters is busy preparing for a solo exhibition in December, but will give a preview of his latest direction and palette in his hazy abstract landscapes.

Margaret Delahunty Spencer, imparts energy and combines her ‘green thumb’ with her love of painting, in a series that captures a ‘houseful of house plants’ in joyful exuberance.

Behind the gallery, 2doorsdown café will be open for everyone’s refreshment needs and BeMyKeeper studio is next door. Don’t miss the Hive, 41 Smithton Grove, in the industrial estate.