The Art of Leesa Livermore
Murwillumbah
As a youngster in Bendigo, Victoria, I remember sitting at my nans house drawing and colouring in. She was an oil painter who used to paint pansy’s on soap boxes for gifts, and loved doing it. I also remember saying to nan, “When I grow up, I am going to be an artist”.  As I grew older, I left that dream behind.  Although I still loved art at school, I never studied it formally. 
 
Much has happened in my life since then, especially career paths. Everything from graphic designer to fitness instructor to govt. admin., its been a buzz.

​Now my focus is art - painting plants, flowers and tree-scapes. ... and loving it!  My time spent at the Caldera Wildscapes Gallery is precious. This is my escape from everyday work stress and it has reminded me that I had the right idea about who I wanted to be at a very young age.  
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​Mauve Water-Lily - nymphea species
Oil pastel

I am not sure of the exact species of this water-lily,  however I believe it to be in the ‘Nymphea’ family.  These beautiful flowers are born out of swamp mud and are most likely an introduced species of plant. 
 
The difference between a lotus plant and a water-lily is that water-lily flowers and leaves are thick and waxy while the lotus' are thin and papery. A water-lily also has a recognisable notch in each leaf and flower petals are pointed and create a star-like bloom; the lotus petal is more rounded, and sometimes has 'wavy frills'.
 
While creating this painting I was challenged by the darker shades of the murky waters, as I initially made them too dark.  I also found the centre of the flower difficult to re-create.   However, I am happy with the outcome.

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Reflections - Wollumbin Caldera
Acrylic on canvas

​I initially captured a photo of our amazing Wollumbin Caldera while cruising toward Bray Park on the river with my art colleagues, during our 2020 Christmas break-up. At that time the restrictions of COVID in Northern NSW had been relaxed. While cruising, I knew then that I had to paint the image of our amazing Wollumbin Caldera. 
​This painting is my first ever acrylic painted landscape. I love the reflections, the colour and the countryside of sugar cane and cattle paddocks.
I found difficulty getting the cloud over Mount Warning right, but persevered with what I believe is a great result. The water reflections took some time to complete. However, I am very happy with the outcome. I hope you like it too.
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​Old Man Banksia - banksia serrata
Oil pastel
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Banksia serrata is commonly known as ‘Old Man Banksia’ because it's a survivor of the ages through its ability to withstand many bushfires. Furthermore, with its textured gnarly trunk, it gets better with age.
 
I saw this specimen growing in Dorset St, Murwillumbah while I was walking my dog.  The flowers stood out in contrast to the bright blue sky so I had to take a reference photo in order to paint this magnificent native plant.
 
While using oil pastels in this painting, I found it a challenge to create the serrations in the leaves due to their number and random  complexity.  The flower spikes also provided some difficulties.  At one stage I scraped most of the paint off the canvas and started again. However, I persevered, and am pleased with the result.   

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​Skyward Fig
Acrylic on canvas

While walking my dog (Enzo) in the parklands near the Brothers Leagues Club in Murwillumbah, I captured a reference photo of this magnificent giant fig. A tyre (not depicted in this painting) hangs from one of the huge limbs and is often utilized by local children as a swing.
 
This is by far my largest canvas.  It took rather a long time to master the leaves and the shadows of the umbrella plant, which has made its home within this fig tree.  I love the light plays in and around the trunks.
 
This painting is my favourite (so far), and is usually displayed on my entrance foyer wall at home but also has an outing into the Caldera Wildscapes Gallery from time to time. 

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​Swamp Banksia - banksia robur
Oil pastel

As the name suggests, this banksia thrives in swampy areas and nearby slopes. It's found in the Tweed region along with several other 'showy' banksia species.
 
This particular specimen was seen, and photographed, at the Pottsville Golf Course when I was following the golfing 'prowess' of my husband and his friends. The beauty of the park-like setting, brilliant  sunshine and a couple of piccollos of wine were a great foil to the golf.
 
I really enjoyed creating this painting in oil pastel as I love the bright contrasting colours, but it took a while to finish.  The shiny leaves with their bright yellow veins, and the rusty colour of the Swamp Banksia make this image one of my favourites.  

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Condong Sugar Mill
Acrylic on canvas
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I initially captured a reference photo of the Condong Sugar Mill while cruising on the Tweed River with my art colleagues during our 2020 Christmas break-up.  This grand old mill has been crushing cane since 1880 and is an industrial  icon of the Tweed Valley.    
 
In creating this painting I was inspired by a painting technique used by John Lovett, whose watercolour paintings are much sought after internationally.  
I found difficulty getting the sky colour right as I initially made it too dark.   But by backing off the intensity of the sky, the river and shoreline colours I was able to emphasise the sugar mill's complexity and 'intrigue'. I must admit, I love the result!  I hope you do too. 
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​Gold Everlasting Paper Daisy
Oil pastel

​This paper daisy is native to the Tweed region and is best known for its stunning flowers.  All paper daisies have stiff petals and bright colours which remain vivid even when cut and dried. 
 
This was my third art piece created using the medium of oil pastels. 
 
The process of creating the dark shadows within the flower petals initially made them appear too dull. But with the application of strong pigment, brightness and strong contrast returned to the painting. I love the  orange/yellow colours making this flower appear like a sunflower. I am very happy the outcome and hope that it brings some sunshine into your day.

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​Red Fruit - clivia species
Oil pastel

The Clivia plant is native to South Africa and is grown in most areas of Australia. It produces trumpet like flowers and adds a real vibrancy to a garden, especially when fruiting.
 
This particular Clivia was seen at the Pottsville Golf Course when I was following the golfing 'prowess' of my husband and his friends. The beauty of the park-like setting, brilliant  sunshine and a couple of piccollos of wine were a great foil to the golf. I captured this stunning image along with a banksia and water lily to re-create with oil pastels in my studio.
 
In creating ‘Red Fruit’ I had some difficulty painting the leaves, due to their number and complexity.  However, their colour contrasted with the glowing fruit and made ‘Red Fruit’, in oil pastel, my favourite creation so far.

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​​​Lesser Swamp-orchid - Phaius australis
Oil pastel

Swamp-orchids produce the largest flowers of any Australian orchid. It is restricted in distribution to SE Qld and NE NSW and is listed as endangered in the Tweed.
 
This painting was my second art piece created using the medium of oil pastels.
 
I initially struggled with creating contrast between the flower petals as they appeared too flat.  On looking at the reference photo I identified the shade differences and included more contrast.  I like how this flower appears to ‘jump out’ of the canvas.  The completion of this painting has given me more confidence to tackle future projects and now feel that I can really do this ‘art thing’.  I haven’t stopped since.

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​Palm Study
Acrylic on canvas

​Artist's statement pending