The artists were invited to take part in ‘A Painted Landscape’ – a beautifully designed book by Amber Creswell-Bell, an independent writer and art curator, and published by Thames & Hudson.

Walcha based artists Paula Jenkins and Angus Nivison both have their work included.

“Amber made contact with me and invited me to take part then interviewed me and wrote my chapter from there,” said Ms Jenkins.

“I sent Amber a selection of images of my artworks, and she and the publisher decided the ones they wanted to use.”

Ms Jenkins said she felt very honoured and privileged to be included. 

“I am amongst what I consider to be some of Australia’s leading landscape artists, including John Olsen, Elizabeth Cummings, Ken Done, Luke Sciberras, Lucy Culliton and of course Angus Nivison,” she said. 

“I very much look forward to seeing the completed book and reading about all the artists.”

Luke Sciberras from Hill End, NSW  is Ms Jenkins’ favourite landscape artist in the book, and favourite artist generally. 

“I adore his loose style, colour choices and subjects,” she said. “Other artists in the book I really appreciate are John Olsen, Elizabeth Cummings and Charmaine Pike ( who is originally from Tamworth). All of these artists have inspired my work to some extent, particularly with their abstract style and open compositions.”

Ms Jenkins has painted other subjects in the past such as equine and botanicals, but says Australia’s landscapes have been the largest influence in her life. 

“From a very early age I have been surrounded by and immersed in a range of landscapes, and this has always resonated immensely with me,” she said. 

“When it comes to art, it’s my deepest passion, and I love getting amongst nature and interpreting it onto board, canvas, paper, etc.

“I now work in oil, but prior to this, I was working largely in pastels and mixed media. I believe my style has changed with the use of oils due to its buttery texture and its ability to be manipulated, and I love oils because of this.  Luckily, my style and subjects appealed to Amber.”