Art House Colin Passmore

Art House by Colin Passmore

Image source: Contributed

Every artist needs a muse and for Colin Passmore, nature has been his for more than four decades. Deb Caruso visits Art House which blends environment and inspiration.

Colin’s distinctive artworks adorn walls and galleries of art lovers and collectors around the country who are enamoured with his large-scale canvases that strike a balance between abstraction and the environment.

With a successful gallery already in the beachside hub of Peregian Beach, Colin went in search of a studio more connected to the environment. 

An intriguing property on Louis Bazzo Drive, Cootharaba fitted the bill. 

“I was looking for a studio where I could spread my wings and when I saw this place, it was perfect,” Colin says. 

“The exotic components of the buildings – the surfaces, travertine and Italian mosaic tiles; slate and concrete; the maze-like direction and the abundance of nature were so perfect.”

Not to mention the doors, of which there must be more than 20 – all unique and sourced from around the world, including antique Chinese and Indian doors and one from a French Monastery.

“I decided to call this gallery ‘Art House’ but it could as easily have been called ‘Door House’,” Colin jokes.

There is a lot to ‘a-door’ about this gallery: from the Balinese-inspired entry to the pool area reflecting that of a Mexican Hacienda; feature tiles reminiscent of New York subways, 1950s bathing houses and retro 70s bathrooms artfully define spaces while oversized glass windows and mirrored walls frame and reflect the different aspects of nature. From jasmine-soaked walls and arches; tropical ponds; or expansive fields capturing kangaroos at play, every angle is full of texture, personality and stories begging to be told. 

Yet it all comes together in a way that surprises, delights and entices. 

Artwork by Colin and fellow artist, manager and friend of almost two decades, Deb Hutton, are at home in the space, complementing not competing with the man-made and natural architectural and design features.

There is a meditation room nestled in greenery and floating outside the main pavilion. A place of reflection and peace. 

The standalone Artist’s Studio is linked by an ivy-covered walkway reminiscent of a Tuscan country house. Industrial in nature, it is in contrast to the main gallery and meditation room and provides a blank canvas for artwork to shine while the studio offers an immersion in nature. 

Colin divides his time between his Peregian Beach Gallery and Art House Cootharaba however a commission by the developers of Essence Peregian Beach to feature two of Colin’s large-scale paintings in the reception foyer might keep him closer to his beach home. 

“When I paint at Peregian I’m painting from memory but at Art House I’m painting from my surroundings,” Colin says. “It’s inspiring to create new work and the retreat of being here is a bonus.

The three-hectare property adjoins a National Park with Lake Cootharaba about 400 metres away. 

“The wildlife is fabulous, especially the kangaroos, sometimes there are a dozen of them; the bird calls and the serenity are in abundance. My pond painting is inspired by the dam and while I was already painting birds, they really come to life in this environment.”

Almost on cue, the kookaburra chorus begins. Earlier a small, yellow-crested bird had entered the house as if it flew off the canvas. 

Birds and butterflies have only been featuring in Colin’s work for less than three years but they have proven popular. 

“About twenty years ago I used to feature sticks, feathers and leaves by placing real ones on the canvas to paint from,” he said. “I use the same method with images of birds so that I can capture their attitude and posture, almost like they are really there.

“I’m working on a painting featuring the trees but with pastel hues reflecting dusk – and with birds,” Colin adds with a chuckle. “This is such a beautiful and creative space that I’d like to share it with more people.”

We were so inspired by the Art House that we used it for our summer fashion shoot. 

When we chatted, Colin was preparing the first event at Art House. This one, organised by local musician Carl Lynch to celebrate and support local musicians with a number of live performances, a food van, coffee cart and BYO options. 

Next year promises to be busy for Colin who will maintain his presence in galleries around the country and on Hastings Street, where his work has been featured since 1985. He will also open Colin Passmore Fremantle Gallery in Perth around Easter. 

If the Art House sign is out on 1460 Louis Bazzo Drive, drop in; otherwise call or text Colin to make an appointment – 0428 775 154. 

About the Author /

deb@innoosamagazine.com.au

Deb has 25+ years' experience providing strategic communications and brand reputation advice to clients in the government, business and not-for-profit clients. She is passionate about Noosa and is an active member of her community, providing PR to Slow Food Noosa and other clients. Her passion lies in working with small businesses to help them succeed. She is planning to release the Tastes of Noosa cookbook with Matt Golinski in 2019.

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