'Blooming Flowers and Cheeky Animals' by Pamela Finger

It was quite by accident that Pamela started painting twenty-two years ago by accompanying a friend to a beginners botanical painting class.

With a busy life (that included work, photography, gardening and being an active member of Australian Native Plants Society), painting had to fit into one night a week. Pamela may not have continued painting, however meeting a dear friend Claire, in their first painting course, a friendship has grown, where they have painted together weekly (currently over zoom).

Moving from Canberra five years ago, Pamela joined Mackay's Botanical Art Interest Group (BAIG) and Mackay Art Society, which saw her artwork blossom. She embraced the opportunities to see and experience the breadth of art mediums and styles of creativity Mackay and it’s generous artists had to offer. Her ability to capture animal behaviour in her paintings and photography became evident - especially the eyes.

Encouraged by local artists, Pamela discovered pastels; a bright new medium to experiment with and highlight her passion for native wildflowers and iconic animals in a new way. The end result is this exhibition, that she hopes you will enjoy as much as she has putting it together.

Other influences have been, a demonstration by Stephie Clarke, creating an artwork of grapes with awe inspiring vibrancy; a teaching session with Maree Angus painting a vase of flowers and lastly a visit to Brisbane and stumbling upon a botanical art exhibition which included artworks by ‘Flower Painter’ Ellis Rowan where Pamela saw what she wanted: To stay with her botanical passion but depict it in a more contemporary style.

Pamela would like to acknowledge the critique and technical instruction from Maree Angus and Stephie Clarke. She would like to thank mentor Jenny Gardener, BAIG and Mackay Art Society for helping her see things differently. Biggest thanks go to Pamela’s long term critics and fans, husband Noel and friend Claire. All paintings are from life or Pamela’s own photographs with many taken in the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens.

This exhibition showcases the passion Pamela has for Australia’s plants and animals. Enjoy “Blooming Flowers and Cheeky Animals”.

This Exhibition will be available for viewing from Wednesday April  20 to Sunday May 22, in the Lagoons Gallery within the Botanic Gardens Cafe.

Contact: Mackay Regional Council

Phone: 1300 MACKAY (622 529)

Email: council@mackay.qld.gov.au