Annemarie Wiegerinck
CREATIVE WARRIOR SERIES
“Be patient with yourself and allow your vision to develop, it takes time.”
Annemarie Wiegerinck, artist
After growing up in the Netherlands, Annemarie migrated to Australia in 1971 and found her home first in the Snowy Mountains of NSW, then later with her husband and fellow artist, Barry Willcox they moved to Wandiligong in the Victorian Alps. Mostly self-taught, Annemarie has been a practising artist for over 40 years.
Over these years, Annemarie’s style has evolved from formal drawings, oils and watercolours to a very distinctive style she can call her own. Focussing on the Australian bush and landscapes, her oil painting style is authentic in capturing the hidden patterns and wild, untamed beauty of nature, with an impressionist influence. Also a talented ceramicist, Annemarie creates sculptural pieces embellished with carvings, flora and fauna. We love the vibrancy and depth of Annemarie’s art.
Lucky for the local community, Annemarie is also the Exhibitions Coordinator of the Bright Art Gallery and Cultural Centre, helping diversify exhibitions to include solo shows by local artists, a two-month summer exhibition, photographic exhibitions, the Bright P-12 School exhibition and showcasing more Indigenous Art.
She also happens to be my next-door neighbour, so I wandered through the gate that joins our properties for a cup of tea, a chin wag and a tour of her studio to chat about her passions, her motivation and the journey that led her to where she is today.
How would you describe your creative or design aesthetic?
I am fascinated by nature. Always looking for patterns, interactions and connections. My artistic ventures are driven by a deep connection felt with our natural environment.
What part of the creative process is most exciting for you and why?
Developing the work in my mind, sketching it out in charcoal, applying the fluid background and topping it with detailed little dashes and dots. It runs from idea to free and bold execution to meditative repetition in the final stages. I love the whole process.
Island Bend Along the Ovens - Annemarie Wiegerinck
Where do you find your inspiration?
In nature. I love to draw the untamed beauty of the Australian landscape.
Describe a collaboration you are most proud of and why?
I am very pleased with the way my art has developed and the recognition I am receiving.
(Her pieces sell for over $1,500 today and are in great demand).
Have you undertaken any type of training (formal or informal)?
Mostly self-taught. I have done lots of courses with various artists and a 3 year ceramic course at TAFE. Mostly I have developed by studying those artists I admire most and allowing my own style to take form.
What is your process?
My paintings are built on detailed charcoal drawings; these are painted over in a fluid oil paint wash, allowing to literally run down the canvas as colours mix spontaneously. I mostly use pure colours in my under-painting, often complementary, which leads to vibrant and colourful creations. In the third stage of my painting, purposeful short brushstrokes are applied over the dried wash to add detail and accentuate life and movement.
Winter Sky Silhouette - Annemarie Wiegerinck
Tell us a little about your creative journey and what led you to live and work in our stunning region.
I have always had a love for drawing and painting. I started off as a realist painter. We moved to Bright 10 years ago attracted by its beauty, access to mountains, rivers, lovely town and community.
For young creatives starting out, what's the best piece of advice you would give them?
Work on your own vision, don't let others tell you what to do. Be patient with yourself and allow your vision to develop, it takes time.
Awards
2016 ‘It’s All Relative’ – Family exhibition at the Bright Art Gallery
2015 ‘Close to the Sky’ – Guest Artist Exhibition at Bungendore
Fine Art, NSW
Best in Show – Lions Exhibition – Raglan Gallery Cooma
2014 Solo exhibition ‘Australian Muse’ Bright Art Gallery
2013 Winner of the King Valley Acquisitive Oil Painting Award
Winner of the Myrtleford Landscape Award
2012 Winner of the King Valley Acquisitive Oil Painting Award
2011 Winner of the John Briscoe Art Award, Raglan Gallery
Best Drawing – Lions exhibition at Raglan Gallery Cooma
Best Oil Painting – John Briscoe Art Award – Raglan Gallery
2010 Winner of the Spirit of the Snowy – Lions/KNP exhibition
2009 Best Oil Painting – Lions/SnowyHydro Exh Jindabyne
2008 Shared exhibition Kunama Galleries Jindabyne
2007 Solo exhibition ‘Perceptions of another Place’ Raglan
Gallery Cooma
Best Oil Painting – Lions/SnowyHydro Annual Art Exh
First Prize – John Briscoel Art Award-Raglan Gallery
Best Oil Painting – John Briscoe Memorial Art Award
Best in Show – Lions/SnowyHydro Annual Art Exhibition
Cooma
2005 Best local Artist – John Briscoe Memorial
Art Award
Best in Show – Jindabyne Easter Art Exh
2004 Best Oil Painting – John Briscoe Memorial
Britt White Studio uses a selection of local artists, including Anemarie, in our Property Styling service.
You can find Annemarie’s stunning artwork on Facebook under “Annemarie Wiegerinck Artist”.
Contact: a.wiegerinck@bigpond.com | 0413 247 237
