By Melissa Barnard, part of the 2024 Scarborough Art Show team
Kate and Peter Broadfoot have been Bulli residents for over 50 years, raising four children and working as teachers at Bulli High school before establishing Bonn Accord Arts and Crafts in Bulli.
After 18 years operating this art supply shop and painting studio Kate now pursues her love of pleinaire landscape painting, drawing on the local Northern Illawarra for her inspiration.
Usually painting in her car, Kate has become well known to locals as they see her out and about. She has developed a distinctive, fresh style of painting which perfectly captures many much-loved local views.
From where do you draw your creative inspiration?
I am a “pleinaire” artist, so I paint the landscape as I see it.
My inspiration is drawn from my local environment… and wherever we travel.
How do your art practice and your life intersect?
I paint almost everyday. It is such a calming activity and challenges my brain.
Now I have the time in my life that I have always craved, I go out painting whenever I can.
Can you tell us a little about your personal artistic journey?
After a career as a high school art teacher and then 18 years as proprietor of an art shop and teaching studio, I have at last found the time to pursue my love of pleinaire landscape painting.
What will you be bringing to the Scarborough Art Show this year?
This year I am bringing to the art show a few works featuring the Clifton School of Arts building, as it is such an iconic local site. The other paintings will be of our Northern Illawarra coastal views.
What do you enjoy about the Scarborough Art Show?
The Scarborough Art Show really provides the best overview of what is happening in the Illawarra art scene. I love seeing what other artists are doing in their work.
The work done by the P&C at Scarborough School to put on this annual show is absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for showcasing the work of local artists.
Scarborough Art Show will be back at Scarborough Public School on Saturday, October 12th (10am-5pm) and Sunday, October 13th (10am-2pm). Admission: $5 for adults, $3 concession, Children under 13 enter free of charge.