About Me – Chris Hooper
After being introduced to oil painting by well-known Noosa artist Bill Mc Kay and receiving invaluable mentoring and guidance, he gave up his profession in furniture design and sales in 2002 to concentrate on his painting. With further knowledge gained from attending courses at the Brisbane Institute of Art and helpful instruction from Olga Garner-Morris and Warwick Fuller, culminated in his first exhibition on the Sunshine Coast in September 2005.
ACHIEVEMENTS:
2018 – City of Busselton Art Prize Finalist
2016 – Little Gem Exhibition
2009 – Ground Swell Solo exhibition
2009 – Winner of People’s Choice award – Rotary art show – Brisbane
2008 – 1st Place – Caloundra Arts festival (Best local scene)
2006 – Winner of People’s Choice award – Maleny Arts Festival
2006 – Commended – Maleny Arts Festival
2006 – Nurture the Soul exhibition
Artist Statement
My challenge is to make my work a catalyst for positive emotions.
For as long as I can remember the ocean has been a great source of joy and inspiration. It influences just about every aspect of my life. I find the simple act of immersing myself in water gives me solace and strength. As a result I am compelled to respond to the energy it generously gives. My art practice enables me to communicate this connection and my observations in a meaningful way.
Living close to the ocean, spending the last decade in Margaret River and now returning to my home on the Sunshine Coast enables me to practice my art daily.
Producing art for over 20 years, has challenged me to convey the colours and moods of the ever changing landscape. Surrounding myself in nature and painting ‘en plein air’ in oils is what makes me feel alive, capturing the light and shadow is everything!
Looking at our world through an artist’s eye is truly fascinating, although I would be described as a contemporary realist, I think primarily I’m a colourist. The wonders of light and shadow, colour and form is what I’m interested in most.
We need to take the time to observe, truly SEE the way a shadow falls across the sand, the reflection of sky in water or the flicker of light on a single leaf.
Current Work
