HER LIFE AND ART

Alison was born in Melbourne and grew up, with her two brothers, in Glenferrie, where her parents owned a nursery.

Under their influence she first became interested in flowers and more particularly roses. Her mother, Kathleen Fryer, a professional gardener, possessed a great sense of design, balance and colour; attributes which Alison believes she imparted to her.

During the eighties she was running a busy branch of a suburban public library and bringing up a family of three teenage children, a busy enough life you would have thought! However it was at this time that she decided, with the active encouragement of her partner Laurie, to take up the paintbrushes and have a go herself. 

She joined the local art society near her home, and for a year or two went to oil painting classes there, but heard about the teacher Carol Boothman when Laurie bought a lovely painting by one of her students. Carol has now been her teacher, guide, mentor and friend for well over fifteen years. As a foundation member of the Waverley Arts Society, Carol encouraged her to join, and the rest, as they say, is history!

When she retired from library work in 2000, it gave her a lot more time to devote to her interests, which include art, gardening, travelling, reading, grandmothering, and singing - to mention a few. Her involvement in the progressive and active Waverley Arts Society in the last four years has provided an environment in which her art has developed and expanded. Serving on the committee of management since 2000 and then as secretary has been demanding but extremely rewarding particularly in terms of friendships made and just pure having fun!

A turning point in her artistic career came in 2000 when she started Life Drawing classes, also with Carol Boothman. “Life drawing is the gymnasium for the artist – it keeps you fit” (Carol’s words). This weekly practice is very demanding – an hour and a half of sheer hard work. "I am achieving a higher standard all the time and I know that this class is continuing to make a big difference to my oil and pastel painting. As a representational painter, it is vital that my observation is accurate, and it is this, more than the methods of putting of paint or pastel on canvas or paper which has improved out of sight."

Prior to retirement, landscapes and boats were her main subjects, but her rekindled interest in the last few years in gardening and particularly rose growing, has prompted her to paint flowers: "I am passionate about roses, and can’t pass an Open Garden with roses or rose nursery, without making Laurie fit it into our weekend. The compact camera comes out and provides lots of references for use later on. Sales of my flower paintings at the International Flower and Garden Show and other Waverley Arts Society exhibitions have been encouraging."

In the last year or so she has been doing more pastel painting. A full day workshop with Barbara McManus was very helpful at this stage. In June 2004 a moment of panic ensued when she was invited to demonstrate as part of the Waverley Arts Society Exhibition at the Monash Gallery of Art.

About her art, Alison says: Involvement in and passion for an artist’s subject is, in my view, the most important part of the execution of a piece of art. Whether the method is representational (as in my case), or abstract, the inspiration must come from within, and if that passion does not show, then the piece does not work. I feel that the artist must have this involvement: is it a place that she has been to and loved, is it flowers that she has grown herself, is it a loved member of the family, a friend or a pet. When this is the case, it comes through in the execution of the work. When painting and using a photographic reference I use my memories of and feelings for that place, flower or person.

I have plenty of opportunity to obtain subjects as Laurie and I travel extensively – mainly in Victoria but also to other places in Australia – and as we walk, canoe, camp, swim, sail, cycle and cross country ski, get close to the heart of the land, river or seascape.

Now to something entirely different! Also after retirement (no wonder I am now busier than I was when I worked) I became inspired by seeing others’ work and decided to take up silk painting. I did two workshops with Colleen Weste from Macedon, and she expertly taught me some of the basic methods. Reading books, talking to others and observing others’ works has also helped. A good colour combination sense is vital when painting silk, and obviously others appreciate my work as I can never do enough scarves to keep up with the demand.

Becoming involved in an art society has also provided opportunity to take part in many other exhibitions as well as the regular Waverley Art Society events, a very valuable exercise, as it is vital to my development to see a wide range of other artists’ work.

Naturally I also visit National Gallery of Victoria exhibitions, and was thrilled to see the Impressionist Masterpieces from the Musee D’Orsay in 2004. French Impressionism and in particularly Monet are my all time favorites, and I love the river and boat paintings and would like to paint in a freer and more impressionistic style myself.

 One thing is certain, whatever the results, painting is a lot of fun!