Magical colours of nature on exhibit

By Carol Saffer

Margaret Costa said, “art is the last thing that people spend money on”, but it doesn’t stop her from painting.
While she calls herself a hobby artist, she has an exhibition of her paintings, Colours of Nature, at Moor Art @ Lerderderg Library in Bacchus Marsh.
Ms Costa’s work is on display throughout August at the Library’s free exhibition space, supporting local artists to share their work with the community.
“I started painting when my children started school; they are now adults,” Ms Costa said.
“Painting for me is a hobby, not a business; I love the freedom, creativity and tranquillity that painting gives one’s soul.”
The Lerderderg Library approached her after seeing her work at the Birds in Ballan Arts and Craft Fair at the Mechanics Institute.
Ms Costa has no formal training or a particular style and loves exploring different topics.
“Nature lends itself to having heaps of subjects I can investigate,” she said.
“I love colour and lots of paint; I am very humbled by the fact that people like my art.”
Three years ago, Ms Costa retired as a critical care nurse giving her more time to paint.
“Practice, practice and more practice is what you need,” she said.
“At 65 years old, I have just started an Instagram page so people can see more of my work.
“Nature and its wonderful magical colours give a wide scope for interpretation,” she said.
The exhibition at the MoorArt space is a collection of her recent and past paintings, oil on canvas, plus some using pastels with selected artworks for sale.
She said the gallery is a beautiful space with lots of natural light.
“Lots of kids and mums in a busy place that people are utilising, and that’s a great thing to engage the community,” she said.
For more information, contact Margaret Costa on 0414 306 487 or Instagram: @Gosiasarts.