This August, two exceptional artists—Lesley Ryan and Penny Levett—take centre stage in a celebration of expressive, tactile, and deeply personal approaches to contemporary art.

Lesley Ryan

Acclaimed local artist Lesley Ryan presents a stunning new series of abstract watercolour landscapes, continuing her exploration of place and perception. Inspired by the delicate aesthetics of Japanese woodblock prints, Ryan distils natural scenes into their most elemental forms—inviting viewers into a quiet space of mood, memory, and meaning.

Her distinctive method—rarely using brushes and instead favouring found tools like forks, feathers, and plastic cards—results in layered, ethereal works that are as instinctual as they are deliberate. With a career that includes the prestigious Coraki Art Prize, international exhibitions, and works held in private, corporate, and government collections, Lesley’s practice continues to evolve while staying grounded in craftsmanship and clarity.

Trained under Tokyo-based master woodblock carver Motoharu Asaka, her work reflects a refined balance of structure and spontaneity.

Penny Levett

Joining Lesley is Penny Levett, a Clarence Valley-based visual artist whose watercolour and mixed media works reflect a life steeped in observation, travel, and design. With a background in graphic design and over two decades in the Southern Highlands, Penny brings a thoughtful approach to form and texture. Her compositions often play with pattern, line, and stylised detail, drawing on photography and daily moments for inspiration.

Whether working in soft washes or exploring graphic elements with pen and ink, her practice reveals a deep appreciation for the quiet beauty in everyday life. Penny’s work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions across regional NSW, including BDAS Gallery Bowral and Links House in Burradoo, and is held in private collections across Australia.

Together, Ryan and Levett offer two distinct yet complementary perspectives—each rooted in tactile process, visual rhythm, and an ongoing dialogue between inner and outer worlds.

Find out more HERE