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