Through their eyes

MARELENE Frances has once again transformed her passion for the Dandenongs onto canvas.
The foothills artist has been named the Artist of the Month at Lady Hawke Café in Mt Dandenong.
Frances has been painting since she was a child.
She said art had always been a way for her to communicate with the outside world.
In high school Frances received a scholarship to the Carnegie Institute in the United States which has led to a lifelong passion for art.
Frances also teaches art at the Hut Gallery in Ferntree Gully and shares her knowledge of pastel works.
She also shares a love of the Australian landscape through her art.
“My paintings invite the viewer on a journey of discovery… an opportunity to see through an artist’s eyes,” Frances said.
In this latest exhibition, Frances has created a number of Australian landscapes and seascapes including a number inspired by the picturesque Dandenongs.
She will also be joined this month by fellow landscape artist Elizabeth Bailey who is renowned for her work depicting north-east Victoria. In this latest show, Bailey portrays special places, colour and moods that haunt her.
“My paintings intentionally show no evidence of human occupation,” she said.
“This allows me to paint quickly to capture the fleeting light and colours of the landscape.”
The exhibition was officially opened last Thursda, 3 September and will run until 28 September at Lady Hawke Café, 1365 Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Mt Dandenong.