Painting the town red

With a sunny day forecast, Wid had time one weekend to drive northbound on the Hume Hwy with a packed picnic lunch and a desire to see what lay beyond the outer suburbs of the city.

‘‘I will never forget the sight that greeted me as we drove up and over the hill into Kilmore,’’ Ms Bradley said.

‘‘There were heaps of historic buildings and beautifully maintained stone horse water troughs were still in place, but instead of water, magnificent petunias of myriad colours cascaded over their sides.

‘‘Forget the Scottish scenery, this was magnificent. We parked the car and began our walk down one side of the street and back up the other.’’

Ms Bradley said she wanted to walk because she noticed clumps of people gathered in the main street around artists who were exhibiting their talents by sitting at their easels painting.

‘‘The scene was so pretty it has stayed with me in stunning clarity through the years,’’ she said.

‘‘The artists were facing the wall of a building and this clever seating ensured the artist had their back to the passing people, so people could watch without disturbing the artist or committing themselves to any communication if they didn’t want to.

‘‘The presence of these artists invited comments and conversation between groups of people who did not know each other.

‘‘And the traders loved it as there was more foot traffic around their business.’’

Fast forward 50 years and Ms Bradley has moved to Seymour and recreated the scene she loved so much in her new home town.

‘‘We have a rotating roster of artists who paint on the streets of Seymour and district,’’ she said.

‘‘This place is full of people who care both for the environment, for each other, for their history and fine arts.

‘‘I am still in awe of the skill our local artists exhibit and of their vitality and open-mindedness.

‘‘I think what is not always realised is artists record unwritten history. We depict the people going about their usual (and sometimes unusual) business, events and happenings.

‘‘We record the buildings which will not last forever, therefore more important to capture now.’’

Ms Bradley said she encouraged people to stop and observe artists painting in the street and to ask questions about their work.

‘‘We’re always up for a chat about our art and we’re always looking for new members at the artists society,’’ she said.

‘‘We offer workshops in various aspects of applied art to members and non-members every second month.’’

For information, phone Wid Bradley on 57938479 or 0447733913.