CHRISTOPHER HOOPER Chris’s motivation for painting stems from his great love of the Australian coastline. His constant focus is to reflect the colours and moods of the landscape. His strength and his passion are in oils; producing landscapes, seascapes and figurative paintings that convey the colours and essence of Australia. ARTISTS’ STATEMENT"My challenge is to make my work a catalyst for positive emotions.For as long as I can remember the ocean has been a great source of joy and inspiration for me. It influences just about every aspect of my life. I find the simple act of immersing myself in water something that gives me solace and strength. As a result, I am compelled to respond to the energy it generously gives. My art practice enables me to communicate this connection and my observations in a meaningful way. Producing art for over 20 years has challenged me to convey the colours and moods of the ever-changing landscape. Surrounding myself in nature and painting ‘en plein air’ in oils is what makes me feel alive, capturing the light and shadow is everything!Looking at our world through an artist’s eye is truly fascinating. Although I would be described as a contemporary realist, I think primarily I’m a colourist. The wonders of light and shadow, colour and form is what I’m interested in most. We need to take the time to observe, truly SEE the way a shadow falls across the sand, the reflection of sky in water or the flicker of light on a single leaf. " BACKGROUNDAfter being introduced to oil painting by well-known Noosa artist Bill McKay and receiving invaluable mentoring and guidance, Chris gave up his profession in furniture design and sales in 2002 to concentrate on painting. With further knowledge gained from attending courses at the Brisbane Institute of Art and helpful instruction from Olga Garner-Morris and Warwick Fuller, culminated in his first exhibition on the Sunshine Coast in September 2005.Representation in a number of galleries on both the east and west coasts of Australia has opened up the exposure of Chris’s art works, which have found their way into many private collections across Australia & overseas.