“Years ago I studied drawing at university. Class after class we drew from life models with charcoal on newsprint. Only exposed to drawing with pencils in high school, I loved the new found freedom discovered with the new medium. However, after my 3 year university career, I lost the point. I loved the softness achieved by charcoal but needed something more.

Ten years later after searching for new ways to express the creativity bubbling within, I discovered what was missing. Colour. It was then, that I bought myself an easel and decided to try acrylic painting. There is nothing like the feeling of big globs of brilliant paint on a new canvas.

Canvases started filling up quickly, but still there was something missing. The subject often chosen was sensitive whether it be landscapes of gardens or playing children. However, there was conflict with the boldness of the medium.

It wasn’t until I tried amalgamating the two mediums, that I was satisfied with my own artistic style. I have discovered that charcoal brings out the sensitivity in acrylics while satisfying my need for both colour and drawing. This style allows me the freedom of subject but still maintain a consistent style.

I still return to separating the two mediums with traditional drawing or traditional painting. However, it is not long before I crave the combination again.”

- Rebekah Wilkinson