Tuesday 16 July – Wednesday 16 October

We encourage our members to visit the clubhouse to view our latest art exhibition, showcasing the extraordinary talents of four distinguished South Australian artists: Elisabeth Howlett, Sarah McDonald, Katie Sandison, and Sonya Unwin. Each artist brings a unique perspective on the natural beauty that surrounds us, from Elisabeth Howlett’s expressive portraits of flowering Australian flora, rendered with thick, textured oil paint, to Sarah McDonald’s richly evocative oil paintings that capture the essence of the Australian landscape with palette knives. Katie Sandison’s vibrant watercolours raise awareness of Australia’s botanical species and bird life, while Sonya Unwin’s abstract landscapes push the boundaries of colour and light, often created en plein air. Together, these artists invite you to explore the intricate and breathtaking beauty of nature through their diverse and captivating works.

This exhibition will span three months and all artwork is available for purchase. If there is a piece which you are interested in, a price list can be requested from either the members’ bar or the admin office.

Elisabeth Howlett

Elisabeth Howlett makes expressive portraits of flowering Australian flora. Her work is about the forms of native plants and their ancient personage, their unapologetic forms and effortless grace. They don’t explain who they are. They belong to themselves and they are free. Over her 10 year artist career, Elisabeth’s intention has been to paint the forms of native plants and flowers the way she sees them, emphasising the impression made by each brushstroke. Elisabeth’s paintings are both highly textured and expressive; bearing sculptural elements. This is owing to the application of very thick oil paint. Prior to being an artist, Elisabeth had a 15 year legal career advising on matters impacting nature conservation. The protection of the natural environment in the legal sphere had a lasting impact, fostering Elisabeth’s love of native plants and flowers. Elisabeth is married to Simon and has 2 children, Alice and Sam. The Adelaide foothills, where the Howlett’s reside, provides the perfect daily inspiration for Elisabeth’s art practice.
Follow Elisabeth on Instagram: @elisabeth_howlett_artist

Sarah McDonald

With over 25 years experience as an artist, exhibiting her work all over Australia and overseas, South Australian Sarah McDonald is now well known for richly textured and evocative oil paintings. Sarah has been a finalist in many Art Prizes around the country and has collectors all over the world.
McDonald captures her love of the Australian Landscape with her signature technique using palette knives and thick oil paint applied to render a tactile experience. In each painting, there is a quality that evokes an emotional response from every viewer as they re-tell their own story, stirred by memories and images of their own past. Each painting reflects Sarah’s ability to capture time and place, using exaggerated light and colour to depict her subject matter. Her atmospheric landscapes are responses to her love of hiking and her connection with the places she might travel to.
You can see more of Sarah’s work and receive information and invitations to upcoming exhibitions by subscribing to her website: www.sarahmcdonald.com.au
follow Sarah on Instagram: @sarahmcdonaldartist

Katie Sandison

Passionate about raising awareness of Australia’s botanical species and bird life, South Australian watercolour painter Katie Sandison loves to create artworks that connect to land through colourful splashes and illuminated compositions.
Katie attended North Adelaide School of Art and gained a Visual Arts degree from the University of South Australia, Underdale and Bachelor of Education in 1999. She has taught in primary and secondary schools for over 22 years and now teaches through her own business ‘Kids Art Adelaide’ from the Mitcham Studio.
Her curated exhibitions have raised funds for wildlife and environmental organisations with three arts shows since 2021 at the Adelaide Airport.
An Eco Bio Cup artist since 2021, her blue wrens have graced environmentally sustainable coffee cups in cafes around Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, and are still being delivered.
Follow Katie on Instagram: @katiesandisonfineart

Sonya Unwin

Abstract landscape artist Sonya Unwin pushes the boundaries of colour through her studio and the plein air tradition. Often found working out in the elements, she is inspired by the fall of light on the land, the enormous ever-changing skies and the deep hues of abundant flora.
Winner of the Adelaide Hills Landscape Arts Prize in 2021, Sonya explores the feeling of a site through observation and colour.
Predominantly using acrylics or oils on canvas, her works are developed in series.
Her studio is always open to enquiries and she readily takes commissions.
Follow Sonya on Instagram: @sonyaunwin