Jacki’s colourful life on screen

Local Torquay artist and teacher Jacki Burke is set to make her television debut on the award-winning art show, Put Some Colour in Your Life.

The series also known as Colour in Your Life (CIYL) was created by artist Graeme Stevenson who sought to build “a library of the minds of artists; to preserve a digital record of creative spirit culture and techniques for future generations”.

Ms Burke said the CIYL team will film at her Torquay home studio on July 11 and would explore her body of works that focus on seascapes and portraitures.

Ms Burke said she has been painting for over 32 years and after relocating from the eastern suburbs (Ringwood) to Torquay four years ago, has increased the frequency.

“I’m painting every day now, and every time you paint you grow. I’ve got more my own style now, it’s recognisable. I don’t hesitate in my decision making as far as if I want it to look a certain way it will because it’s a Jacki Burke and that’s the way it is,” she said.

“I used to only paint storms in the sea and now since living down here I’ve painted Rocky Point that many times. I just love the colours, they change every day it’s just beautiful. I’ve painted White’s Beach, Fishos and it’s always different, the mood changes. The sea goes from turquoise to emerald to grey.”

Life has been busy lately for the Torquay artist with an influx of commissioned work thanks to her exceptional portraiture style.

“Most of my portraits tell a bit of a story, I want it to become a part of their family history. It might not be this generation but a couple of great grandchildren down the track, they’ll say wow that was my Nana or that was my Pa.

“It becomes part of the family story that really touches me, I love that.”

When it comes to teaching she said her classes cater for beginners to advanced painters wanting to refine their skills before potentially exhibiting their own works.

“Everyone can learn how to paint if they want to, some people have a better eye sooner and it’s all about development of the eye. I’ve had 20-year-old students up to 72 years old,” she said.

“Some of my past students are now exhibiting themselves which is just fantastic. I’m actually getting some young mums now that are taking time out from the kids and that’s lovely because that’s when I started to paint properly. When my kids had a sleep or kinder I painted and that was my down time, so I really love that for them.”

Jacki is inspired by Monet and Turner (William Turner) ad works that embrace colour and layers are among her favourites.

“I just love portraits, seascapes, the way Turner gets this real atmosphere. For me, it begins with a moment, a bit of light in an atmosphere and I think I need to paint that,” she said.

“I’ve painted since I was a child and don’t feel right if I’m not painting. I primarily use oil and pastel, but resin is a bit of fun and always loosens me up.”

Mrs Burke said the CIYL series likes to promote local Australian artists and despite being nervous was looking forward to the potential exposure.

“It’s a big thing, I’m nervous but in a good way, I’m hoping to get exposure as an artist, it’s all about being found. As much as there’s a beautiful art community down here there’s so many beautiful adventures in the world for art, if you are recognised. I’d love just getting known and hopefully getting picked up by galleries.”

To view her works, go to jackiburkeart.com.au.