Art reflects farm life
Boyup Brook artist Jacquie Broockmann says her work is inspired by farm life as well as quotations and articles she reads.
She always loved art at high school but it was not until her four children became older that Broockmann had the time to refine her talents.
Starting with drawing and lino printing in 1996, she eventually developed a love of painting and mixed media.
The painting pictured was used to promote the recent women's field day in Boyup Brook.
It is called Storm in a Teacup # 4 - Embracing the Seasons of Life.
It has layers of words underneath acrylic paint that poke through like a collage.
One of her favourite quotes on the work is: "My favourite age is now."
Other quotes are about grace and patience, also important attributes in the ageing process.
Broockmann said she often puts sheets of old newspapers or vintage music on works and then painted over the top because she enjoyed using different textures.
It is the fourth time Broockmann has painted a work for the event.
This time it was used on the official poster and was later auctioned for $625 to local Heidi Webb.
The proceeds from the auction went to Alzheimer's disease research.
Bright colours were used in the painting to reflect the seasons and the work took about 40 hours to complete.
Broockmann said she loved colour because it helped to bring a joyous feel to paintings.
Well-known painters that she admires include Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, Marc Chagall and Australian Charles Blackman.
"I love living on the farm, and a lot of the things here inspire me," she said.
Broockmann said she liked to paint because it was relaxing and made her happy.
She started to paint regularly after doing a lot of sheep work.
If she returned from the paddock tense, painting helped her to calm down.
Other work by Broockmann has been exhibited at the Bridgetown Pottery Gallery and she helps to organise the art awards at the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival, as well as to co-ordinate a small art gallery at the Boyup Brook Visitor Centre.
Aside from auctions, her work has fetched up to $520.
Broockmann said she enjoyed the women's field day very much and felt the speakers had been beneficial and informative.
