By Tanya Steele
Local residing in Belgrave South and newcomer to the Hills, artist and tutor, Carolina Gartner, is excited to be a first-time artist amongst many who will open their doors for the Dandenong Ranges Open Studios event in late March.
Carolina is an Australian artist who moved back from New Zealand to the Dandenong Ranges and is participating in Open Studios for the first time while establishing herself in the Australian art scene.
She has been painting for over 30 years and aims to connect with the local art community.
“We settled here in Belgrave South in this beautiful property surrounded by eucalyptus trees and forest – it’s a really fantastic area,” Carolina said.
“I have drawn and painted ever since I can remember – since I was a young child, my mother taught me.”
The artist heard about the annual open studios and her application was accepted this year.
“They’ve been very good at organising things, and also buddied me up with someone who’s been doing this for about 15 years,” Carolina said.
The artist said she has not left the seascapes she used to paint in New Zealand behind entirely but is lately am moving more towards local subjects.
“It’s been quite a learning experience, in a way, to learn to paint something as quite different, but I’m thoroughly enjoying it – It’s just so beautiful here, and the colors are different,” she said.
“I’ve started to paint trees a lot – the Dandenong Ranges eucalyptus trees and the nature that surrounds me is what inspires me.”
“Victoria has so many beautiful places, both in the country and on the coast.”
The artist is looking forward to meeting community and their connection to art in the hills, she said the event is a fantastic platform for artists and art lovers to connect and celebrate creativity.
Carolina herself works in oils and said anyone can learn the medium, even beginners.
“I will be running classes and hoping to get people interested and excited to learn to paint,” she said.
“I’m thrilled to share my passion for painting, and I hope to inspire others to discover their artistic talents.”
The Dandenong Ranges Open Studios event is an opportunity for the community to support local artists and experience the rich artistic culture of the region.
The event kicks off over the weekends of 22-23 and 29-30 March this year and feature a range of talented locals who call the Hills home.
See the Open Studios website for more information.
