Artist Statement: Monika Henneveld
As an artist, I strive to capture the essence of the Australian landscape…the gorges, rivers, unique bush and the wide geographic spread that makes up the outback. I focus on the colour that the unique Australian sunlight presents, and the mood created by the continually changing impressions of a moment in time.
Through a love of nature, and by becoming an observer of nature, I endeavour to bring my images to life through exploring and feeling nature and translating that feeling through my oils-on-canvas paintings. The most recent sources and inspiration for my paintings have come from visits to the East Kimberley in the North-West of Western Australia, and the MacDonnell Ranges in the Red Centre near Alice Springs.
My work has been influenced by the Australian impressionists of the Heidelberg School…Sir Arthur Streeton, Tom Roberts and Frederick McCubbin. Teachings by Terence Rutty and John Wilson have continued to develop my interest in Australian landscape painting.
I am a self-taught artist, having pursued my interest in art in parallel with raising a family and a career in nursing and social services in the community. I achieved success with art awards in regional art shows and exhibitions, and have conducted an exhibition of my work in collaboration with a sculptor.
Although most of my oil paintings have been of Australian landscapes, I have also painted portraits, still life, flowers and contemporary pieces. However, Australian landscapes remain my subject of choice as I strive to capture the magnificent scenery Australia is blessed with.