Jan Toulis
I have been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. I love light
and colour and the play of light and shade on objects, especially, how light and shade change the colours of nature. I am passionate about our Australian bush, our outback, landscape and heritage and I try to reflect this in my paintings and drawings. My first serious attempt at oil painting was in 1969 when I began classes with John Kenny, who taught drawing and painting at historic Hambledon Cottage in Parramatta. John was the resident teacher with Parramatta Art Society at the time. Several years later I studied painting, design and drawing at Hornsby Technical College. I have won many awards for my work in pastels and oils and enjoy working in both mediums. I also enjoy pencil sketching and water colour. While most of my art has been sold in Australia, some of my paintings have been sold to overseas buyers. My preferred subjects are from places I have been. I am a keen photographer and my photos are used as references for my paintings. My interest in the changing colours of the Australian landscape are captured in these photos and I try to reflect this in my paintings. Works which depict rock strata and native flora are a good challenge and I want the viewer to feel the spiky spinifex grass, to climb the rocky escarpment and to touch the leaves of the trees and saltbush. If that works , then I am happy. Pottery and clay sculpture are my other hobbies. Working with clay is a very tactile experience and I love the feeling of moulding and creating with my own hands. In 2011 and again 2012, I designed and painted 'stage flats' for a local Primary School's "Junior Rock Eisteddfod" production. Working with the very large three metre tall canvases was a challenging task but it was fulfilling and enjoyable and a wonderful experience. For me, my art is always a pleasure, not always easy or successful, but forever enjoyable, so, as long as there is a brush and paint or a pencil and paper I hope I will be able to dabble with paint, brushes, pencils and pastels forever. Contact Jan: 02 9639 7127 0457 153960 |