Town meets Country at the Ekka Painting

Meredith Howse, an accomplished artist known for her landscape paintings, captivates viewers with the dramatic atmosphere and immersive quality of her artworks. Drawing inspiration from the beauty of landscapes, Howse skilfully incorporates cool depths, the impending charge of an approaching storm, the warmth of the sun, and the salty feel of ocean air into her pieces. Through her abstract works, she skillfully employs colors and textures symbolic of the natural world. Born in the Northern Territory of Australia, Meredith Howse spent her formative years exploring the NSW country towns that shaped her upbringing. After completing her education at the University of Technology, Sydney, Howse embarked on extensive travels across Europe, the United States, Asia, and Canada. Eventually, she settled in the serene surroundings of Queensland, where she now resides. In 2018, Howse coined the term "Australian Freestyle" to describe her artistic style—an approach characterised by loose, free brushstrokes, vibrant colours, and an energetic flow. This unique style blends elements of realism, impressionism, and abstract art. In 2016, Howse embarked on a remarkable artistic journey, tracing the course of the Brisbane River from its origin at Mt Stanley to its endpoint at Moreton Bay. This endeavor resulted in a successful exhibition showcasing 30 paintings that captured the river's essence. Two years later, in 2018, Howse displayed 90 works in a Solo Exhibition titled "Sublime Landscapes" at the Lockyer Valley Regional Gallery in Queensland. Late in 2019, a series of artworks emerged, inspired by Howse's childhood fascination with Australian Opals. These vibrant and colorful pieces stood in stark contrast to her earlier works, which often featured delicate and muted tones inspired by the Australian and New Zealand landscapes. In 2020, Howse's artistic exploration took her to the vibrant landscapes of South West Queensland, resulting in the creation of the "Colours of Texas" series. These abstract landscapes, characterized by earthy hues, captured the essence of the region's natural beauty. Two artworks from this series were even featured on the popular television show, "The Block," 2021. Continuing her artistic journey, Howse embarked on the "Illumination Series". This series focused on trees illuminated by the mesmerizing colors of lightning storms, captivating viewers with its ethereal beauty and enchanting play of light.