Fred Bullen and Tracey Sales combine for From The Heart exhibition

“FROM the Heart” is the third joint exhibition by Fred Bullen and Tracey Sales, currently on display at the Gloucester Gallery.

About four years ago, Fred and Tracey found themselves on the sales desk roster at the Hastings Valley Fine Art Gallery.

“We critiqued each other’s paintings, which was mutually beneficial, so we decided to do a number of joint exhibitions over the coming years,” Fred said.

Fred has exhibited several times at the Gloucester Gallery, but “From the Heart” is Tracey’s first.

“Fred asked me if I’d like to exhibit in Gloucester, and I was excited to visit somewhere new and share my art with the local community,” Tracey stated.

Making art has been part of Tracey’s life since she was a child.

“My Mum’s sister, Aunty Marilyn, had a big influence on my artistic life,” she said.

“She was a gifted artist and did many portraits.

“Putting marks on paper or canvas just came naturally to her, and as a child, I was in awe and wanted to be able to do that too!

“My father is also an architect and painter, so there’s a bit of creativity in the family.”

In contrast to Tracey’s early artistic influences, Fred discovered his passion for art after retiring and moving to the Mid North Coast.

He notes that he has been inspired by tutors who were willing to pass on their skills.

“But, in a broad sense, artists such as Jackson Pollock, Picasso, M.C. Escher, and the French impressionists have guided me,” he said.

Although Fred and Tracey have their individual styles they both believe their art is complementary.

Tracey expressed that both she and Fred have a love of storytelling, enjoy playing with vibrant colours, and appreciate nature.

“I have a number of different ways of depicting the same subject, so that, combined with Tracey’s unique style, means there are a lot of conversations the viewer can join in as well,” Fred said.

Together, Fred and Tracey hope visitors to the Gloucester Gallery will leave with a sense of enjoyment and that the artworks resonate or unlock a memory.

From the Heart can be viewed at the Gloucester Gallery, from Tuesday to Sunday until 22 March.

By Wendy BUSWELL