ARTIST Julie Chislett-Duffus is showcasing the raw beauty of the Mallee in her latest exhibition at the Balranald Art Gallery.
The Nyah-based artist’s oil paintings were created after the Christmas Day floods.
“I took advantage of the water lying around to get lots of reference photos,” Ms Chislett-Duffus said.
“Some paintings feel like they’ve almost painted themselves, but a lot of the paintings feel like it’s a lot of hard work and frustration until the paintings turn the corner.
“But most would take a couple of weekends to complete.”
Growing up in Boundary Bend, Ms Chislett-Duffus has been inspired by the natural beauty around her from a young age.
From Nyah-Vinifera Forest to Uara Creek near Balranald, she finds pockets of beauty in the Mallee region to depict in her work.
“I hope people that are local can resonate with them,” she said.
“I hope that seeing the painting may bring them back to the memories they associate with those places whether they have been to the place when they were a kid, or just love going to the place.
“I just hope people look at the paintings and just realise how fortunate we are to live in the most beautiful place in the world.”
The exhibition Water and Light by Chislett-Duffus’ is on display at the Balranald Art Gallery until January 10.
She previously exhibited at the gallery in March 2023.
