Felicity Marshall's Opening

Pic: Hazel Edwards & Felicity Marshall

Felicity Marshall, author and illustrator of The Star has recently held a very successful exhibition of her oil paintings and drawings at Qdos Gallery in Lorne, in coastal Victoria. The main themes of her work were coastal landscapes, paths, beach and shore images, and beach girls.

Felicity originally trained as a fine artist before becoming involved in writing and illustrating children’s books, and regularly has exhibitions of her paintings in between book publications.

She says ‘Over many years, I have walked and explored the rocks and beaches between Point Roadknight and Lorne, and I have also roamed through nearby heath lands and bush, down paths both natural and man-made.

I have developed a love for this natural environment and never stop being entranced by it – by the seasonal changes, by the interaction between people and the elements, and by the sensual elements of air, water and earth. There is always something confounding or unexpected to find, whether it be the way light falls on contours, the changes wrought by sea and wind, or the mystery of shells and shore life.

‘I interpret this as a humble bystander, rarely understanding what I see but feeling compelled to express my response to it, and my profound attachment to it.

I can’t imagine life without my painting and my children’s stories – they are always there to sustain me. In the words of my fellow artist and friend, the late Mireille Ipeau –  ‘painting is oxygen’.

The exhibition is no longer hanging at Qdos, but the remaining works are in the gallery’s storeroom and may be viewed on request. Also for sale at the gallery are limited edition prints from Felicity’s children’s books.

Follow the link to a video of Felicity’s painting exhibition on Vimeo. http://vimeo.com/18485091