Red Hill Gallery, Brisbane is showcasing the work of four female artists in the run up to Christmas in the new exhibition La Femme. Opening on Saturday 1 December, Danielle McManus, Denise Murray, Christine Reilly and Simonn Schumacher combine to showcase a visually inspiring collection of artworks.

Intertwining experiences from everyday life with her Maltese heritage, Danielle McManus produces whimsical artworks and ceramics. Relying on the beauty of the landscape as a constant backdrop, her inspiration at present is drawn from everyday life. Her three children provide her with a constant stream of ideas and that along with the changing seasons of the Hunter Valley, and the birds and fauna there, supply more than enough material.

For Denise Murray, her sculptures use form and expression to communicate. Body language has always held a fascination for her. Denise’s Dancer series is a celebration of the joy of life, the figures are pared down to the essentials, giving expression to the limbs. With a collection including Welded Bronze Sculptures, Limited Edition Bronze Sculptures and Cold Cast Bronze Sculptures, each artwork is a feast for the eyes.

With more than 35 years experience both in front of and behind the canvas, Christine Reilly is a respected and imaginative Queensland artist. The figurative work in this collection has come together, marrying in part Christine’s observation, people watching, memory, imagination and some photography, for reference. She strives to portray all her characters with colour and movement making them come alive on the canvas.

Having drawn ever since she was a young girl, Simonn Schumacher has exhibited worldwide. After a life of travelling overseas on one venture or another, she studied under the tuition of Michael John Taylor in Lismore and feels that the greatest lesson learned during this time, was to paint what you feel and not to think too much, as this can block the natural flow of creativity. This is evidenced in her highly distinctive and individual style with her luscious, sassy and often soulful paintings.

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