Studio Visit with Nicole Foxall

Nicole Foxall has an amazing studio in a very fancy shed in the back yard.  She shares this studio space with her husband Mike Foxall, the clash of styles is immediately apparent when you walk in the door.  The room is literally divided down the middle with Mike's intense, and sometimes dark characters and scenes on the left and Nicole's lovely, colourful,  flowing landscapes on the right.

I ask what type of music they listen to while they work, I have an inkling just from looking at the space and the subject matter of Mike's work. Nicole replies "Well, we never listen to Enya."

Nicole started painting about 4 years ago after completing some short courses and workshops.  It's her therapy and relaxation time in between work and family life.  She drives around the local country side studying the landscape and taking photographs.  The paintings begin as charcoal sketches on canvas and slowly build layer upon layer of acrylic paint and charcoal for detail.  Nicole's favourite part is the water spray that creates the wash and dripping effect in her paintings.

Nicole is a self-described "colour junkie"  which is the first thing that comes to mind when viewing her landscapes.  The hills seem to glow from within with vibrant warm hues such as orange or bright pink.  Depth is created beautifully with the use of black charcoal which adds another texture to the paintings.  The paintings in this exhibition are so clearly depictions of the local landscape you feel nostalgic for Sunday drives as a kid in the back of mum and dad's car.  Nicole's style of painting is truly unique and recognisable, making her a standout local artist to watch!

A Country Drive by Nicole Foxall open Thursday April 28th until Sunday May 15th with an opening night on Friday April 29th 6-8pm.