Welcome to Sue Kalab's Website

Australian Nature has been Sue's genre since around 1981 when she went to live in Mallacoota on the south east corner of Australia, a village in Croajingolong National Park Victoria, for 12 years. During 1993-94 Sue lived and worked in the northwest of the continent, on an Aboriginal community in the eastern Pilbara - this was a different time and reality. In 1995 she established a studio in Bunbury. Sue has a special interest in native birds and bush orchids.

My art responded to the beauty of Mallacoota images. One winter afternoon at Gabo Island, which is just offshore, we saw thousands and thousands of dolphins from the island to the horizon and filling the ocean as wide as you could see. Nautilus shells washed up on the coastline in autumn, and beachcombing was a treasure trove for my art. I was taken to observe a lyrebird make her nest, and subsequently painted this image. I was privileged to paint rare and lovely bush orchids, taken from their secret terrestrial homes by orchid experts who respectfully returned them when I had studied and illustrated them. These people included senior National Parks rangers, and a farmer friend who is renowned for his life-long interest in native orchids. I loved the reverence these people demonstrated towards nature, and I promised myself to continue their example.

Bunbury is by the bush and beach in the south west of Australia. The Indian Ocean, black swans on the Leschenault Estuary, migratory wader-birds that visit annually from the Arctic Circle, the dolphins of Koombana Bay, Big Swamp birds, ancient Tuarts that characterize the coastal landscape, the 130 million year old Basalt Rocks, the nearby Jarrah forests and the myriad species of bird-life that visit my studio garden – all this gives my paintbrush plenty to respond to.

Sue’s work (more than 700 paintings) is represented in collections in Australia and throughout the world.


WELCOMEGALLERY CONTACT US
SUE KALAB Art of Australian Nature Watercolours – Paintings & Drawings		Australian Nature has been Sue's genre since around 1981 when she went to live in Mallacoota on the south east corner of Australia, a village in Croajingolong National Park Victoria, for 12 years. During 1993-94 Sue lived and worked in the northwest of the continent, on an Aboriginal community in the eastern Pilbara - this was a different time and reality. In 1995 she established a studio in Bunbury. Sue has a special interest in native birds and bush orchids. My art responded to the beauty of Mallacoota images. One winter afternoon at Gabo Island, which is just offshore, we saw thousands and thousands of dolphins from the island to the horizon and filling the ocean as wide as you could see. Nautilus shells washed up on the coastline in autumn, and beachcombing was a treasure trove for my art. I was taken to observe a lyrebird make her nest, and subsequently painted this image. I was privileged to paint rare and lovely bush orchids, taken from their secret terrestrial homes by orchid experts who respectfully returned them when I had studied and illustrated them. These people included senior National Parks rangers, and a farmer friend who is renowned for his life-long interest in native orchids. I loved the reverence these people demonstrated towards nature, and I promised myself to continue their example. Bunbury is by the bush and beach in the south west of Australia. The Indian Ocean, black swans on the Leschenault Estuary, migratory wader-birds that visit annually from the Arctic Circle, the dolphins of Koombana Bay, Big Swamp birds, ancient Tuarts that characterize the coastal landscape, the 130 million year old Basalt Rocks, the nearby Jarrah forests and the myriad species of bird-life that visit my studio garden – all this gives my paintbrush plenty to respond to. Sue’s work (more than 700 paintings) is represented in collections in Australia and throughout the world.


View Sue's Highlights


	*COMMENTS FROM OTHERS* Sue shows how pleasant it is to converse with nature and encounter unexpected moments that bring clarity and stillness to our daily life. Her images are like traditional icons, used to assist the passage between external reality and the inner world of the spirit. A sea urchin is a meditation. A seashell with all its weathered imperfections invites contemplation. *Julie Prott, Arts writer* Fine watercolours that gently capture the beauty of nature, Kalab's artworks are highly satisfying. Here are captivating images of native flowers and birds that encourage appreciation of nature and admiration for artists who can capture it so well. These drawings and watercolours are rendered realistically, not just with observational accuracy but with a real sense of awe and respect for the subject matter. Kalab not only talks to nature, she listens and learns. Linger, and take the time to engage with these powerful works of gentle beauty. *Judith McGrath. Review* Your use of shadow and light...warm and comfortable, transporting me to another place and another time...Dolphins and sea urchins, the perfect architecture of abalone shells...puts my soul on a wonder. Your work has transformed a dreary lunch break into an inspiring afternoon. I love your work and am glad to see others find the serendipity and delight as well. *Tom Linker, Hawaii, via website* I like the serenity of the subjects – a peacefulness so needed in this sometimes frenzied world of go-go-go! And I loved your description of your painting as "soft realism". I think that fits perfectly. *M. Gosfield, California, via website*
	www.suekalab.com 2008 ©