A Lindisfarne artist who decided to put her heart and soul into her painting while on maternity leave is about to showcase her work in Melbourne for her first solo exhibition.
Adele Auchterlonie has seen her Instagram following explode from 400 to over 7000 followers in just five months and has received an unexpected call-up for a solo exhibition at fortyfivedownstairs in Flinders Lane with just five weeks’ notice.
The exhibition, titled “Summer’s Rhythm”, draws on Auchterlonie’s love of the Australian outdoors and camping experiences.
The 24-year-old describes the collection as embodying “the feeling of the Australian summer as something lived and felt rather than seen”.
“I really wanted to bring a collection together that transforms ordinary moments that shape the season into memories on canvas that people can hang in their home and make them feel like they’re stepping into summer as we go through the cooler months in Tassie,” she told Pulse.
The self-taught artist, who completed art classes throughout school and briefly studied fine arts at university before deciding formal grading wasn’t for her, has a clear long-term vision.
“Ideally, I would love to become a full-time artist,” she said.
Working from a converted studio in her Lindisfarne home, Auchterlonie does most of her painting while her young son Ned attends daycare twice a week.
She is juggling her artistic pursuits with plans to return to work at the Public Trustee in June.
Her rapid social media growth has been a surprise to her.
“Every morning I wake up, I’m like, oh my God,” she said.
“I couldn’t imagine how people would feel that have like 100,000 followers. I feel famous with my 7,000.”
“But It’s nice getting that feedback and knowing you’ve got an audience following.”
“It motivates you and keeps you going.”
Auchterlonie is currently working on making prints available through her website to make her work more affordable for collectors.
“Art should be accessible for everyone,” she said.
“They should all be able to have it in their home.”
Her exhibition runs from March 24-April 18 and people can see her art on her Instagram.
