Australian artist Lesley Rosochodski has enjoyed a great love of art since childhood; she acquired her first set of oils at the age of 11 and oil painting is still her passion.
"I can't remember a time as a child when I wasn't painting or drawing. I painted my first 'plein air' oil painting whilst sitting in a blossom tree as it hung over the roof of our family shed! To this day I still aim to paint with complete authenticity."
After majoring in art as part of an education degree, Lesley taught art in the early years of her career. She has continued to develop her skills, seeking out classes and workshops with highly respected artists in the areas of botanical art, watercolour and oils. Now Lesley focuses purely on painting as her career of choice.
She finds inspiration in the beauty of her surroundings in the Macedon Ranges; a disappearing highway, the slant of a tree, an arresting face, an appealing animal or even the shadows, lights or angles found in city areas. Lesley has also used painting as a platform for social commentary and was selected as a finalist for the 2018 Bald Archy Prize. An avid experimenter, she is always striving to refine her skills, improve her style and create unique art. She paints every day and is usually itching to get started, with a never ending supply of new ideas always at the ready.
'I always have a concept or story in mind when I paint. My paintings may express humour, satire, fantasy or even just a feeling that I want to convey, but such ideas form the basis of all my art."
Lesley's art is strong, vibrant and emotive. She aims to excite and engage viewers, by provoking thought and response. She credits many great artists as influences on her work, from her early interest in the great Classical, Romantic and Impressionist masters, to modern art, current street art and contemporary 'greats' such as David Hockney. She also enjoys abstracts, simplifying objects to their most basic lines and forms to create a more gritty image, similar to contemporary graffiti art.
"In creating my paintings, I try to capture the raw, emotional energy that I feel when an image or concept seizes my imagination. I visualise this in vivid colour in my mind and transfer that to the canvas."
Lesley's work is increasingly exhibited in art shows and galleries around Victoria and sold to private buyers. |
