“I was born in Adelaide, S.A. My interest and ability in art showed at an early age however I was encouraged to pursue an academic education, rather than artistic, which ultimately lead me to working in the field of civil engineering for many years. For a short time during the 1970’s while I was at home with my pre-school children my desire to draw and paint was rekindled. I enrolled in art classes at the local technical college however after only one term of classes my family was transferred to Port Augusta. However, living so close to South Australia’s magnificent Flinders Ranges, I was inspired to continue painting! For approximately two years during the mid 1970’s I exhibited and sold my oil paintings at various venues and exhibitions. My artistic journey was put on hold yet again on returning to Adelaide in the late seventies. I re-entered the workforce and pursued my engineering design and project management career in various engineering consultancy practices, including running my own business with my husband, Rod, during the 1990’s. In 1992 I graduated from the University of South Australia with a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Ten years later in 2002 I had a career change from engineering management to seriously pursue my life’s ambition to be a professional artist.”
I paint in a traditional representational style. My working process generally involves "en plein air" sketching and painting which is supplemented by taking many photographs of the scene. Gathering the reference material in this manner is essential for me to familiarise myself with the atmosphere of my chosen subject. Once back in my studio I use this material and my memories to compose my painting. Sometimes though, if the time and weather permits, I complete a painting entirely outdoors. I work primarily in watercolour because the main attribute of this medium is its transparency which, I think, can best describe the nuances of light and atmosphere. There is no doubt that water colour is a frustrating medium; it is often considered to be the most difficult painting medium to master. At times It seems as if it has a mind of its own and progress can often seem like two steps forward followed quickly after by one step back. The secret is a passion for the medium, enjoyment of the process and above all else, perserverence. I like to create happy paintings! Those that lift our spirits and make us feel good about the world we live in. This is the challenge for me as an artist, intent on capturing our world on paper in watercolour.
“Today my paintings are held in many private collections in Australia and overseas, including the United Kingdom, France, USA, and Japan. My work can be seen at David Sumner Gallery, Adelaide, and Hahndorf Academy, Hahndorf, SA.”
I am a member of the Adelaide Art Society, Royal South Australian Society of Arts and the Australian Guild of Realist Artists.
You can view some more of my work at the David Sumner Gallery web site:
http://www.david-sumner-gallery.com/exhibiting_artists/bentley/bentley.htm
Or visit my Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Watercolours-by-Anita-Bentley/215309595203510