A Finer Kind of Busy Painting

Nicole Fearfield’s paintings are energetic explorations of her connection to people and place. They spark a rich and personal dialogue of opportunities taken, places ventured, the conscious choices we make in designing our life. Nicole’s introduction to abstraction was as a teenager when her family built a home directly across from the site of master abstractionist, Ian Fairweathers’ hut on Bribie Island, Australia. The impact of being in such close proximity to this place wasn’t felt until many years later when she discovered her own love of abstract painting. Intent on capturing the felt experience of time spent in a place, her goal is not to reproduce a scene, rather the emotional enjoyment of spending happy times in the company of loved ones. Articulating the energy of a place or event is especially interesting to her, the way light resonates across the land or sky, altering and energising all living things it touches. Applying paint in areas of thick impasto and thin glazes, Nicole layers the canvas to provide a rich history. Her colour palette is often chosen instinctively, beginning with a dark hue before choosing its complement, intentionally mixing a sophisticated colour palette to create seductive greys and harmonise the painting. Exciting marks, harmonious colour, depth and spaciousness are all hallmarks of her finished pieces. She says “The work always lets me know when it’s ready, my job is to pay attention to the call”. 2022