November 17, 2025
Well-known South Burnett artist Karol Oakley has filled the main gallery at Wondai Regional Art Gallery with a stunning journey through nature.
The master pastellist, who has had her works shown internationally, told the audience on opening night she preferred to work from life, ie. most of her landscapes are done “en plein air”.
“Every one of these works has a story,” she said.
“I am reacting to what I see and then put it on paper or canvas.”
One work, “Spirit Of The Land” – the depiction of a large, beautiful gum – has a special connection to master painter, the late Sir Hans Heysen. After Karol painted the work during a visit to Hahndorf she discovered it was the same tree that Heysen had painted years earlier.
Another work, “Rhythm Of Life”, was shown at the International Association of Pastel Societies convention and art show in Albuquerque.
The “Rural Sketchers South Burnett” have taken over Gallery 3 with more “en plein air” works … this time, quick sketches done out and about around the South Burnett.
The informal group of friends meets on the first Saturday of every month at a different location, sketchbook in hand. It could be in a local country town or a rural setting.
The group began five years ago under the guidance of Pat van Kempen, who has many of her sketches also on display.
In the front gallery are works by Rozalia Lear.
The former Wondai artist – and former South Burnett Acquisitive winner – moved to Bundaberg five years ago and stopped painting. But she realised there was something missing in her life so she decided to give art another go … this time experimenting with watercolours and abstracts.
The exhibitions will remain on show at the Wondai Regional Art Gallery from 10:00am to 3:00pm daily until 3:00pm on Saturday, November 29.
