Chris Alway – Artist Profile
Artist Chris Alway with her winning portrait of Lilly
Luminous colour, uplifting mood and a bit of ‘splash’. Although a lover of art history and drawing, I feel a need to move away from strict realism to create more dynamic levels of meaning. Art intrigues me when it draws out emotion, leaves space for imagination and is unexpected!
Australian born and raised in Adelaide, I majored in Visual Arts at Flinders Uni (1978) as part of an Arts degree, then Honours Psychology at Adelaide Uni (1979). I also trained in art/craft techniques for my Diploma of Secondary Art Teaching at Bendigo CAE (1981). I am a practicing psychologist, and so it is natural for me to sensitively observe, experiment and express concepts clearly. I often start to compose from images in my mind and then ‘go with the flow’. For detailing, I refer to real life observation, my sketches, photos and references.
Chris Alway – Crimson Mirage
My current themes explore contrasts within my territory. The Clare Valley and the Mid North of SA have been my home and workplace for over two decades. Although an oasis of vineyards, this valley and its surrounds present extremes of weather and terrain. Committed to promoting the environment, I focus on natural themes including landscape, vineyards, water effects, sunsets, portraiture, animals and native flora. I am also a musician and I often incorporate lyrical themes, abstraction and movement.
I especially relish watercolor – fluidity, luminous skies that paint themselves, vast distance, misty hills, translucent vegetation and sparkling reflections. I am also strong in oils, acrylics and most drawing media.
My art sits between modern and traditional, as it is innovative but also recognisable, well composed and crafted with quality materials. Influences include da Vinci, Turner, van Gogh, Tom Roberts, John Borrack, Ruth Tuck and Chinese watercolour. I have been tutored by SA artists including Arthur Phillips, Roland Weight and Alan Ramachandran. Community experience with arts groups, markets, studios and Regional art shows gives me a practical understanding of sales and contemporary trends.
Chris Alway – Pastel
Chris Alway – Pastel
Chris Alway – Lilly – Winner, Burra Regional Art Gallery Portrait Prize 2011
- 2005 – Commendation, Clare Valley Rotary Art Prize, Watercolour Section
- 2009 – Special Merit, Burra Portraiture Competition
- 2009 – Special Commendation, Clare Rotary Art Prize, Watercolour Section
- 2009 – High Commendation, Balco Balaklava Art Prize, Portrait Section
- 2009 – First solo exhibition (SALA Festival), Kirrihill Cellar, near sell out
- 2010 – Commendation, Clare Valley Rotary Art Prize, Clare Valley Section
- 2010 – Solo Exhibition, (SALA Festival), Kirrihill Cellar Door, Aug – Sept
- 2011 – Portrait Competition, Burra Regional Art Gallery, April