Based on the northern beaches in Sydney, Lou Knowles is a painter that loves colour and texture. Since the late 90’s she has worked predominantly in oils. A love of pattern and collage make up another part of her practise.
She is heavily influenced by what surrounds her, spaces, objects and the landscape.
The design of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s is apparent in the shapes and elements of her work.
Spatial awareness and predominantly the negative space are fascinating to Lou.
It is within these parameters that her work evolves. Abstraction is her newest focus and challenge.
As I explore abstraction in my art practise, I am aware that life is a series of abstract experiences.
Our brains try to rationalise every situation, some which are simply irrational.
Experiencing change, turns your world upside down in both positive and negative ways. It is easy to become chaotic in an already full life, juggling things.
To express feelings and communicate through a medium of colour and texture has been an important tool for me. Putting paint on surfaces gives me the time to think and deconstruct my reactions to certain events. Colour has always been a part of my process. Creating textures and depth through the layering of colour, allows the observer to witness the stages.
Light, colour and shadow are present in my work as metaphors for life, love and loss.
Finalist KAAF Art Prize October 2024
Finalist Ewart Prize, Willoughby Workshop, September 2024
Finalist 9x5 Landscape Prize Woollahra Waverley Art School November 2024
Finalist National Contemporary Art Prize 2024
Finalist North Sydney Art Prize, Coal Loader, Waverton. May 2024
Finalist 9x5 Landscape Prize Woollahra Waverley Art School November 2023
Finalist 40under40prize , Sketch Go Gallery, September 2023
Finalist Fifty Squared Art Prize, Brunswick St Gallery, Victoria, June 2022
Finalist Ewart Prize, Willoughby Workshop, May 2022
Finalist Small Works Art Prize, Brunswick St Gallery, Victoria, January 2022
Winner, Little Things Art Prize 2021 Saint Cloche, Paddington (wall works category)
'Sand and Stone' Michael Reid Northern Beaches, April 2024
'Ocean Sounds' Michael Reid Northern Beaches, February 2023
'Ocean Pools' Brunswick St Gallery, Victoria, Sept/Oct 2022
Group Abstract Show Brick Lane Gallery, London UK, June 2022
'Tree Sounds' Special Mini Release, Michael Reid Northern Beaches, May 2022
'Spring forward, no falling back' The Wellington Gallery, Group Show, October 2021
Little Things Art Prize, Saint Cloche Gallery, Paddington, September 2021
Group Show Be Brave Gallery, Avalon, Decemember 2019
'New Paintings' Institute of Architects, Potts Point, Solo August 2008
'Clontarf' Red Door Gallery, Summer Hill, Solo June 2006