Heidi Kraak
Since moving to Traralgon six months ago, artist Ann D’Monte can’t stop using bright colours in her paintings.
“The word ‘reflections’ resonates with me because it is reflecting my present mood,” she said.
“The way I feel, the peace I am experiencing in my life, the happiness I am experiencing in my life.
“I’m on a colour spree right now and I just want to put a lot of colour into everything.”
Originally from Chennai in the south of India, Ms D’Monte used to paint as a hobby, as a stress-reliever from her work and was often commissioned by businesses to paint.
“In Chennai there are a lot of beach resorts so I did paintings for them and a lot of business houses would commission me to do a painting,” she said.
Ms D’Monte moved to Melbourne 18 years ago, has since retired from a career in nursing and aged care, moved to Traralgon and now wants to immerse herself in painting and the artistic community again.
“Through the years, no matter what stages I’ve been through in my life, painting was very important to me,” she said.
“It was me, my time, I’d go away and paint, and yes, I did have a few exhibitions in India.
“I majored in British Columbia, after doing my bachelor’s in India, I went to BC Vancouver and did my post graduate course there in art, specialising in human anatomy. I love the form.”
However, Ms D’Monte’s exhibition, which opens today in Traralgon, focuses on her renewed love of colour.
“I just see colours, I see a picture and I can’t wait to go and stand in front of my canvas and splash the paint around,” she said.
“I’m crazy about florals. I’m passionate about flowers and nature. Then I feel like doing a whole lot of seascapes, the boats, I love my sail boats.
Ms D’Monte said the paintings on display reflected a joyful time of life.
“It has a lot to do with what I feel. I notice there are times I’ve done paintings and people have looked at it and said ‘that is not you, Ann’. I’d have sombre shades. But this is me,” she said.
“I have two beautiful children and a grandchild on the way.”
Ms D’Monte’s exhibition opens today and can be viewed at the Art On Track Gallery in Queens Parade, Traralgon until August 23.
