The artist’s work was selected to be displayed as part of the Plein Air painting prize.

Kim said she decided to enter a piece for consideration as she had lately found herself painting landscapes.

“It is quite an unusual competition these days in that the painting must be done from the subject, which is the way I like to work,” she said.

Plein Air refers to the practice of painting outside in direct engagement with nature, where the transitory effects of light can be observed and recorded, adding mood and atmosphere to the setting.

Kim’s work depicted trees found on Tourist Road towards Kangaloon.

“They are a maze of twisted white-trunked gums,” she said. 

“I enjoy trying to make sense of such a chaotic subject, random shapes, the colour is soft and subtle, and the colour of the trunks changes over the seasons.”

While Kim did not win first place, she said she was glad for the experience.

“It is always great to have work accepted in any competition these days, it is a competitive world, very hit and miss,” she said. 

“It is good to feel ones work is somehow validated, it is a level of recognition.”

Kim Shannon is hosting an exhibition of her works with Marion Chapman from October 13 to 18 at the Bowral and District Art Gallery.

Titled Same but Different, the exhibition will be officially opened by the artists on October 15 at 2.00pm.