Gipsy life colours art

By Judy Wolff
AN EARLY gipsy lifestyle travelling around northern Australia with her parents has led Lorraine Cafarella to a life of artistic expression.
The Montrose resident has been named Sherbrooke Art Society’s artist of the month for December.
As a child she travelled around coastal Queensland and the Northern Territory with her parents who managed caravan parks.
The varied landscapes and rich colours of her childhood travels informed her developing art.
“I have seen a lot of beautiful sunsets and I love working outdoors.” said Lorraine.
Her first art award, as a teenager, was from Tennant Creek Bowling Club in the Northern Territory.
Colour and structure inspire Mrs Cafarella. She says she always looks for the design strengths of anything around her.
It is not surprising that her work is semi-abstract and reflects the early 20th century cubist style.
While she also paints in water colour and pastel, her preferred medium is acrylic, often with added textures of sand, marble dust, wood or even rope.
Since marrying and settling in Montrose in 1982, Mrs Cafarella has gained many awards and exhibitions.
She was a finalist in the prestigious Alice Bale Award and has won awards in the Lilydale Show, Eastland Art Show and Ringwood Art Society.
Last year she held two exhibitions in Montrose town centre.
She is a member of The Australian Guild of Realist Artists as well as various other societies.
Travel is still in her blood and next year she and 22 others from Sherbrooke Art Society will take an art trip to Italy.
Lorraine Cafarella’s work is on display during December at Sherbrooke Art Society gallery, 62 Monbulk Road, Belgrave.
The gallery is open 11am to 4pm from Wednesdays to Sundays. Inquiries to 9751 1197.