Local artist profile: Amber Collet

THIS week we chat with local illustrator and painter Amber Collet, who said living, working and exhibiting in France has been a highlight of her career, as “the Europeans really value their artists and see it as an important part of their living culture”.

What initially motivated you to take up drawing and painting?

I grew up in a family where there were many talented artists.

We had a pottery attached to our house and my parents worked at another pottery.

It was a time in the 70s when everyone drank from a hand-made thrown mug and casseroles were made in a clay lidded pot.

My mother became a painter and author.

My grandmother was a talented illustrator, who was also a musician and wrote poetry.

My French grandfather worked for the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation photographing native flora and fauna.

There were always many cameras and stories about trekking across the countryside to photograph and record the sound of a frog or jumping out of a moving station wagon to catch a goanna to photograph.

There were always interesting artistic people who came in and out of our lives.

How would you describe your style and how did you develop it?

Portraits and realistic figurative works.

I paint mainly from life – my style celebrates the beauty of the figure.

Often, I will draw multiple figures over the top of each other or lay the drawing in ink or paint – this allows me to make decisions about what I want to keep in the drawing or painting.

Also, there are marks on the paper or canvas that are unplanned for.

On occasions I have dabbled in political statements via the figure.

Like (Lucian) Freud (1922-2011), the eyes are a starting point.

Which other illustrators or painters inspire you and why?

Jenny Saville (1970-) and Paula Rego (1935-).

Jenny Saville loves painting and drawing the figure and is not afraid to distort the figure or layer multiple drawings over the top of each other.

Paula Rego often depicted images of her family life and had very strong political views about women’s rights.

Have you had any particular mentors over your career so far?

I had two female lectures at La Trobe University Bendigo – Robyn Burgess, my drawing lecturer and Julie Millowick, the photographer.

More recently, (well known Chewton based landscape painter, printmaker and art educator) Jeff Makin, who imparted valuable knowledge on drawing techniques, art materials and artists.

I really enjoyed his drawing classes and learnt a lot.

What are some highlights or fond memories you have from your time as an illustrator/painter so far?

Living, working and exhibiting in France.

The Europeans really value their artists and see it as an important part of their living culture.

How can people check out your work online?

I’m not always good at advertising my work online and don’t have a website as such.

I do prefer to exhibit and speak to the people who want to buy my art (Amber recently participated in Bendigo Open Studios 2025 on the weekend of 10-12 October).

What are you working on right now? Do you have a few projects on the go?

I’ve been working on animals, particularly French muster dogs from the village of St Girons, France where I am renovating a national monument.

What would you say to young regional aspiring illustrators/painters who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

If art is your (devotion), follow it without fear. Life is too short not to do what you are passionate about.