Isabel Hatswell

Applecross Senior High School

Year 12

Acrylic and Oil Paint on Canvas

122 × 152 × 4cm

Every layer is inspired by something different from the last, every colour is one I felt expressed the hostility of the environment. Native Australian flora has evolved to survive in one of the harshest climates on earth; each rugged branch and irregular leaf is tailored specifically to thrive in the ruthless landscapes of the Australian outback. I was inspired by the expressive painting style of the 1950’s; I had to find a state of play to freely apply different abstract techniques without fear of making mistakes, while also finding focus to include morsels of detail. Altogether, my painting expresses a story of survival.