Region leaves impression on exhibitor

Diane McDonald's links to the Granite Belt will continue long after her Connections solo exhibition finishes at Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery on Sunday.

THUMBS UP: Artist Diane McDonald has been left inspired by the Granite Belt. Picture: Contributed

DIANE McDonald's links to the Granite Belt will continue long after her Connections solo exhibition finishes at Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery on Sunday.

The region's unique landscape has inspired the Brisbane- artist to begin works based on her experiences on the Southern Downs.

"I have created works from memories and senses of my travels to Stanthorpe and its surrounds in the past, but my most recent visit was really motiva- ting,” Ms McDonald said.

"I never get tired of the beauty in this area and I've already painted a number of new artworks that I'm so happy with that I will enter them in some upcoming landscape competitions.”

Ms McDonald was back in the studio this week after a visit to Launceston, where she was a finalist in Australia's premier landscape award, the Glover Prize.

She was among 42 finalists from 480 entries for the $50,000 first prize, attending the gala opening night which attracted almost 500 people.

"The whole weekend was a great life experience and something I will never forget,” Ms McDonald said.

Her six-week Stanthorpe exhibition finishes Sunday.

"I can't believe the Stanthorpe solo is almost over,” she said.

"It has been a real privilege to exhibit here and I've been encouraged by the amount of positive feedback that I have received from the gallery.”