Beautiful art displayed in book

A FORMER professional artist and judge is one of 55 artists who have shared their talent in a new artistic book about the Southern Downs.

Quita Hamer retired to Warwick 10 years ago and has been blown away by the creative talent in the region.

Ms Hamer was approached to contribute to the publication, Scenes of the Southern

Downs, which was launched by the Warwick Artist Group on Saturday.

She created a stunning painting of a riverbank, using green and blue hues to depict thin trees reflected on a river.

Many artists who contributed to the new publication chose scenery and wildlife as their inspiration, but Ms Hamer said portraits were a particular area of talent for artists. Scenes of the Southern Downs was compiled by Susan Ellwood and Sue Keong from the community group.

“I decided from the beginning that I wouldn’t make judgements. If they were willing to give it (the art) to me then I’d put it in there,” Mrs Ellwood said. “For some of them it was a big step to put it in there.”

There are about 100 pieces of art in the book, created by artists from near and far who have a connection with the Southern Downs.

For some people it was their first piece of art, for others it was another to add to their collection.

Residents can buy a copy of the book for $20 by emailing susanellwood@gmail.com.

Photos: Elyse Wurm ON DISPLAY: Susan Ellwood (left) and Sue Keong complied the work of 55 artists into a book for the Warwick Artist Group.

NATURE: Quita Hamer painted a stunning picture for the Scenes of the Southern Downs book.