Community
10 July, 2026
Showcasing a pop of colour
THE Corangamite Arts Shed has blossomed with colour thanks to the works of feature artist Yvonne Court.
A member of the group for close to 30 years, Mrs Court said she enjoys being creative and finds it both relaxing and therapeutic.
“I paint a variety of subjects – I particularly like seascapes and sea creatures – especially the weedy sea dragons and their appendages,” she said.
“I also like working in a variety of mediums – watercolour, which I’ve worked in over the last few years, pastels, pencils, inks and even alcoholic inks.
“My subject matter is quite varied including flowers, landscapes of the local area, frogs and birds.
“I aim to focus on the important factors of composition, patterns, light and dark and colour.
“I just love colour – it brightens my day.
Some of her works include golden finches, owls and peacocks, alongside a variety of sea creatures, landscapes and even dragons.
Mrs Court said some of the works on display have also been created using a sketch and wash pencil, which are made with a water-soluble graphite.
“You can draw the shapes and put lines in, then you get your brush with water and go over it and make some light and medium shade in the back,” she said.
“I started doing art many years ago – I went to a class in Warrnambool and Robert Ullmann led the class.
“He said something that stayed in my mind – the better you are at drawing, the better your painting will be.
“I believe that because when I do artwork almost every day, even if it’s just for 15 minutes, I find my observation and drawing skills do improve.”
Mrs Court said another medium she enjoys using is alcohol inks, experimenting with a variety of papers with the ink.
“I have to use a certain paper called Yupo, and it’s a very smooth part you put the inks onto,” she said.
“It’s not gimmicky because you have to decide where you’re going to put the colours and you have control, then you have to put this alcoholic mixture on and that disperses the ink – it’s great fun.
“With art, it’s all about the enjoyment of doing it and being creative, which is very good for your brain.”
Mrs Court said she was inspired by works from Australian impressionists.
“I’m inspired by Australian impressionist Margaret Olley and her wonderful still life works because she had specialised in painting still life and her work was just so strong and vibrant,” she said.
“She also kept a lot of natural things around her, which is what I do as well.”
Mrs Court said she loved being a part of Corangamite Arts, with all works on display as part of the featured artist of the month program created throughout group sessions.
“I really enjoy the social contact and the support of the other friendly members – they are always willing to offer advice and suggestions and are very positive people,” she said.
“We’ve got a core of between eight-nine people who come along, which is fine.
“The group always welcomes new members.
“As well as being social, it’s a great learning experience and I like the way they do a variety of artworks.
“Creating artwork is therapeutic for me, and I get very absorbed in it because it’s all beneficial to your wellbeing.”
Corangamite Arts president Sue Hollingsworth encouraged residents to visit during the weekly sessions on Thursday from 10.30am-2.30pm to view the works.
Residents are urged to enter the Camperdown Showgrounds through the gate at 2 Leura Street.