Koroit artist Ricky Schembri displays his work during the Warrnambool Art Show at the weekend.
THE satisfaction Koroit artist Ricky Schembri gets from his work comes from the challenges he sets himself.
Schembri was one of three demonstration artists at the City of Warrnambool Art Show at the weekend.
His soft pastel paintings concentrated largely on farming landscapes.
Schembri has been painting for three years and said he would love to turn his hobby into a career. “I probably paint now a couple of times a week,” he said.
“I’ve been painting consistently for three years.
“I would love to travel and paint. I just really enjoy it. It’s a challenge.
“To turn it into something good is a bonus. To turn it into something that sells is an ever bigger bonus.
“I’ve always like art. As a kid I drew a lot.
“I’m also looking to do more streetscapes.
“They’re that much harder to do.”
The Rotary Club of Warrnambool East celebrated its 20th exhibition this year and spokesman Roger Cussen said sales had been good.
He said the attendance at the gala event on Friday night had been down, but was not disappointing.
The prize for best exhibitor went to John Thomas, of Healesville, with Windswept Pines. Di King, also of Healesville, won the best oil prize with Erosion.
The best watercolour prize went to Richard Jones, of Ocean Grove, with Outback Scene Hawker and the best pastel prize went to Di Noble, of Doveton, with Country Charm.
Sarah Martin, of Langwarrin, took out the prize for best other medium with Under The Ocean.
Local artists Sue Sambell, Tim Walker and Trevor Holder were also recognised for their work.
Money raised from the exhibition will go towards Rotary House and other local and international projects.
cquirk@standard.fairfax.com.au