Jennifer CROOM
Melbourne artist Jennifer Croom studied tonal painting under Lance Mc Niell and portraiture with Barbara August.
For several years Jennifer successfully painted impressionist landscapes in oil and pastel,winning awards in local and interstate exhibitions.During this time she was a demonstrating artist at Toorak College 'Art Week' in 1995 and 1996, taught a children's class at the McLelland Studio and currently teaches 'painting as therapy' to aged members of the community. Jennifer has also written articles for 'The Australian Artist's Magazine','Antiques and Art' and the Mornington Peninsula Visitors Guide. She is a member of the Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors and the Mclelland Guild of Artists.
In 2005 Jennifer changed her tradditional style of painting in search of a more individual way of expression. She experimented with abstract and modern approaches and is now enjoying the exploration of modern figurative works blending a traditional approach with a contemporary twist.
ARTIST STATEMENT:
'To paint using imagination, jewel-like colour, symbolism and the wonder that is the human face is a joy for me. I like to combine skills I learned during years of more realistic painting, with the excitement of going beyond what reality allows. Bold design, glorious colour and engagement with an idea beyond the visual, are what drive my work. At present I'm exploring added elements such as rocking horses, birds, or dolls, items loaded with memories and meaning, to add another dimension to the figures in my work.'
1992 McClelland Guild