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CURRENT / UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS 2026

Join us for this vibrant and exciting event.
‘Decorative Vision’
29 AUG – 12 SEP
OFFICIAL OPENING:
SATURDAY 29TH AUG
4 -6PM

Artists
SUSAN WEBB
DENISE PAINTER
This lusciously colourful exhibition will appeal to your love of spring! With paintings, scarves, bags and much more.

Susan Webb
Artist Statement
My joyous exploration of still-life has developed over many years. It has drawn me down different pathways including from the tests of realism to flat-patterned designs and to the adventures of Cubist styles and abstraction.
Formal, compositional, abstract: these are the ‘signpost’ challenges for the artist of this genre. In this exhibition of both oils on canvas or board and works on paper in the medium of gouache I have taken some of these varied directions while keeping to my theme, still-life.
My extensive study of the history of art exposes me to many wonderful antecedents. It enables my inspiration (to name just a few) from artists and styles from classical Dutch still-life, Matisse, Gauguin, Art Deco, the Fauves, Cubists such as Juan Gris and the Futurists. Australian artists who inspire me are many and include Criss Canning, Cressida Campbell, decorative artist Greg Irvine and some of the work of Ken Done. Because of their focus on patterned designs, I admire Islamic tile work, the world’s various carpet designs and the brilliant handling of colour in the art and textiles of India.
Initially I trained at Sydney’s National Art School. While living in Sydney I was an Exhibiting member of the Royal Art Society of NSW. I have supported a variety of artists’ societies. I am a qualified teacher of Visual Arts with experience over many years teaching in schools, working with adult groups and giving workshops. I am currently represented by Cstudios Art Gallery, Newcastle and my work is in collections in Victoria, Canberra, country NSW, Sydney and Newcastle.

Denise Painter
Artist Statement
My creative journey began in 1993 when I became a stay-at-home mother and started exploring new creative possibilities. I studied Colour and Design, Graphic Design and, later, Visual Arts at TAFE.
Over the past 25 years, I have developed a distinctive artistic style centred on collage, decoupage and mixed media. My work is created by hand or through digital techniques, often combining colour, texture and layered imagery.
I am particularly drawn to the possibilities of abstraction and surrealism, with colour playing an integral role in every piece.
In 2019, I moved from Sydney to Toronto, Lake Macquarie, where I established YouCreate Studio & Gallery. From my studio, I create and exhibit my work and hold creative workshops and classes.
I am actively involved in local art societies and currently serve as Art Director for the Wangi Lions Dobell Art & Craft Festival.

We look forward to seeing you there!
Parking: Hunter, Auckland & King Sts, Civic and Wright Lane.
Check paid parking areas.
Cstudios Art Gallery
518 Hunter St, Newcastle NSW
Wednesday to Saturday
10:30am – 3:00 pm
Sunday, Monday, & Tuesday: Closed


#art #painting #gouache
#oil #mixedmedia