“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.” Pablo Picaso
Art is everywhere. It’s in the way we organize our home, the colours in our outfit we choose, the sketch we have unconsciously made in the corner of our notepad, the way we move when we hear our favourite song. Art nurtures our spirit. It gives us the freedom to express ourselves creatively, freely and unconditionally. And the best part? Art doesn’t need explaining. You see what you see, feel what you feel and admire everything in which it evokes within.
And for all these reasons and more, we invite and support local artist, Louise Basher-Johns.
Get to know the artist behind the beautiful paintings now displayed in the b3 studio.
Louise began a very fulfilling career as a dance teacher back in 1986. After injuring her back in 2013, teaching became a struggle and it was clear teaching subjects other than dance was not attractive.
In 2015, she got married in Positano, Amalfi Coast Italy and so was inspired by the beauty she decided to paint it. A late starter at 53, Louise looks forward to the career change that being an art teacher and practicing art will bring.
What inspires you?
People and beautiful beach images inspire me. I am fascinated with peoples’ faces, and I have always found peace at the beach. I’m obsessed with turquoise waters, but my obsession with turquoise began after seeing glaciers in Alaska, and Lake Louise in Canada.
Do the paintings each have their own story?
My abstract works are primarily intuitive…although I usually have a rough plan of shapes and colours. When doing watercolour portraiture I am inspired by beauty and interesting facial features, and the “story” behind each person.
“Colour in a picture is like enthusiasm in life. “ – Vincent van Gogh
How long does a painting take?
I can spend a week on an abstract….I never know when it is finished. A watercolour portrait takes around two days.
Do you paint multiples of a painting?
I’ve only ever painted one beach scene twice – one as a practice, and then a better version which I gave to my father. I don’t copy other artists’ work, however, I am inspired by many other artists and many different styles. I have a real problem with mass produced art in homewares shops that are $800!
“The object isn’t to make art, it is to be in that wonderful state where art is inevitable.” –Robert Henri
Tell us about your style.
I use water colour, pencil, charcoal, acrylic and various mediums, such as texturisers and gritty pastes. Brush work mainly, but sometimes pallets knife.
Do you take requests?
I have painted several commission works, mainly portraits, but two large abstract canvases. I can custom make abstracts for people (such as preferred size, colours, design, medium, etc.
It’s a huge honour for b3 to display Louise’s artwork. Stop by the studio to take a look.
Want to get in touch with Louise?
loubasher@gmail.com
0402 466 469
See more designs here:
https://www.instagram.com/lous_artstuff/