Chasing Sunset Exhibition – Kristal del Villar

The incredible Kristal Del Villar returns to The Garden Berry with her stunning new exhibition ‘Chasing Sunset’.

“Painting is a way for me to express how I see the world and what brings me joy. My favourite time of day is dusk; when the last light is fading and the hues of sunset radiate across the land. Some of the incredible colour interactions between sky and earth are there for mere minutes. These moments of beauty are fleeting, making the pursuit of seeking sunset so alluring.

To be in the presence of nature’s ‘golden hour’ is something I never take for granted. At home we pause to drink in these moments at every opportunity. The effect of sunset, as the orange light permeates from field to each tiny leaf, through to setting the walls of our home aglow, is one of harmony and warmth. It seemingly pauses time and fills me with nostalgia.

In essence, recreating these sunset scenes through the medium of paint, is a way of capturing and preserving the intangible and beautiful. Emulating nature’s palette is a pleasant challenge I embrace and embellishing with my own style is where the fun happens.

Every day brings a new inspiration; each sunset different from the day before. Whether it be rainswept blues and greys, or saturated, reverberating golden light; each sunset is beautiful in its own way. It is possible, and I am quite contented by the thought, I may forever be – chasing sunset.” – Kristal del Villar

About the artist

Art has always been incredibly special to me, and drawing, music and craft are where I was always happiest as a child. This continued through to art school in Sydney, where I experimented with many different painting techniques and mediums and through my studies found a strong connection with the Impressionists and the Fauves. My art making has been highly influenced by their cropped compositions, broken brushstrokes and colourful palettes. A love of the natural world and vibrant hues is eventually where my style and interests converged, embracing the vivid glazes and immediacy of acrylics.

Living in Kiama most of my childhood and now residing in Gerringong the past nine years with my creative husband and three children, we are spoilt by the area’s natural beauty. The hills, valleys, and diverse seascapes provide abundant  inspiration, particularly the breathtaking sunsets. There is a warmth and nostalgia at this special time of day that resonates within. It is this connection with nature that I hope to inspire within the viewer, celebrating the beauty all around us.

I have been a finalist in the Black Swan Portrait Prize, Perth, WA, and was the winner of the Berkelouw Portrait Prize in 2006, judged by Archibald Prize winner Cherry Hood. More recently, highlights include exhibiting as a Resident Artist at the award-winning Fern Street Gallery in Gerringong and a successful and humbling debut at the Affordable Art Fair in Melbourne, 2019. My artworks may be found in numerous public and private collections.

Follow Kristal on Instagram.