Local artist profile: Vivien Pells

THIS week we chat with painter Vivien Pells, who describes some of the fondest memories from her career as the smell of gum turps and linseed oil during multiple “plein air paintouts”.

What motivated you to become a painter?

I always loved painting and drawing as a child and into my teens, but it was considered by my parents not to be a worthwhile subject.

However, I continued to dabble, as I did with many craft interests like embroidery and doll making, sewing and knitting.

Creativity was always high on the list in my life.

As an adult I took short courses with the CAE in Melbourne, improving my drawing skills mainly.

I always wanted to paint, but it took a meeting with Chris Moule to encourage me to attend lessons with Gerard Mutsaers in 1997.

I was a bit shy to attend, but Gerard had one place left and made it clear that he preferred to teach people with no prior experience.

I went along and was sold on the idea of painting well and progressing.

How would you describe your style?

I’m a realist artist and like to paint things I can see.

Gerard taught us to look carefully at nature and capture the soul of the bush, to see the light, how it moves and changes the shapes of things.

Art to me is observation, concentration and possibly frustration.

I (tend to) paint a memory and have a story that goes with absolutely every painting.

I’ve progressed into watercolour now and dearly want to master it, as it’s such a compact and mysterious medium.

Which other artists inspire you?

Of the famous Masters I am inspired by Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh.

Artists in real life who’ve inspired me are Gerard Mutsaers and his wonderful ability to mix realism with impressionism.

I’ve also studied with John Wilson in Katoomba and Terry Jarvis has given me a good foundation.

Inspiration in watercolour is Joseph Zbukvic and Alvaro Castagnet.

How can I not include Chris Moule in my consideration of inspiration?

We share a house and I’m constantly inspired by how his art is still changing and improving.

What are some highlights from your career so far?

My fondest memories are the smell of gum turps and linseed oil, going out on monthly plein air paintouts with Gerard’s students, and I experienced a wonderful week in Katoomba working with John in the most beautiful countryside of the Blue Mountains.

Special memories exist of lessons and plein air experiences with Terry at his studio/gallery in the Wellsford forest.

Painting holidays have a special spot in my heart, capturing the Buckland Valley in the late afternoon and the essence of Africa in my earlier life when I travelled back to South Africa.

Do you have any exhibitions coming up?

I don’t, but we’ve entered shows in Bright and Harcourt.

We use these shows and others as an excuse to paint local to that area.

I’m presently working on a picture of the Buckland River and a work in Harrietville from plein air works I did on my last visit.

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

Get a degree in art (which I don’t have), then work with experienced artists to learn skills that are tried and true.

Love art, but don’t expect a lot of money from it unless you can find a mentor who can promote you.