Alexandra Lewisohn’s current body of work is unmistakably decorative. It is inspired by the objects patterns and colour combinations around her. The common thread which weaves her paintings together is her use of flowers in her intimate still lives.

Following on from her previous body of work “The Lamp Series” the works on display at this exhibition ‘Still’ explore the same theme. Lamps, flowers, vases, mirrors and fabric are gathered and arranged and depicted in great detail. However this series makes a departure from her previous work in that these current still life works are painted in oil on raw ply. Most of Alexandra’s previous work was painted in gouache on cardboard or canvas, in order to acheive a high level of detail.

As this major body of work progressed Alexandra’s bold use of line and colour in oil progressed in terms of its delicacy and attention to detail. What started as a series of quick, robust still lives in oil became more involved. Attention to detail became more intrinsic. The works started taking longer to paint and Alexandra’s skill with oil paint and powers of observation developed. Colour on colour and pattern on pattern emerged. Schemes were explored where colours were used harmoniously and the palette was limited.

Alexandra is predominately self taught as a painter. She completed a short oil painting course at Camberwell College in London in 1998 and went on to complete a Bachelor of Fine Art in Ceramics at RMIT. From there she graduated as a Secondary Visual Art Teacher from Melbourne University with a Post Graduate Diploma in Education. She has also attained a certificate of Floristry and does flowers for weddings

Currently living in South Melbourne, Alexandra lived in a small cottage in Daylesford for over ten years. Her quarter of an acre established cottage garden was a constant source of inspiration for her painting practice. Having flowers to pick and paint all year round was a joy. Alexandra began to plant the garden in particular schemes with a view to having vistas and colour arrangements to paint. One of her ‘en plein air’ garden paintings is included in this exhibition.

Alexndra has had numerous exhibitions in Melbourne and has been represented at- and held exhibitions at- the Hive Gallery in Ocean Grove.

Alexandra also paints interiors, miniature landscapes, cityscapes and occasionally portraits. She would like to do more ceramics and explore painting in the abstract.