“Some of our members have ventured outside their comfort zone and into some modernistic styles,” ALM president Nerida Merlin said.

“We’ve still used all of our usual watercolours, acrylics, oils and pastels, but we’ve learned that there’s so much more you can do.”

For members such as Lyn Lucas, joining ALM after retiring from the workforce has enabled her to rediscover a childhood love of art.

“I’ve lived in the area since 1986 and as I am now retired from nursing I hope to do more art,” Ms Lucas said.

“Art is something I have been doing on and off since I was a very small child.”

Two paintings by Ms Lucas will be won by visitors to the exhibition and sale.

The first, entitled The Boat, is the raffle prize and will be drawn on Sunday afternoon. (The winner will be notified by phone.)

“The Boat was inspired by a teacher at the Bathurst art school I attended and as we all live on one of the most beautiful lakes in NSW, I wanted to paint water for the raffle,” Ms Lucas said.

“It is painted in watercolour.”

The second painting, The Cockatoo, is the door prize for the opening night on Friday.

“The Cockatoo is finished in prisma colour pencils and a watercolour background as I love to draw and paint birds,” Ms Lucas said.

“I think he is one of our very popular birds here in Australia.” 

ALM was founded in 1997 by Daisy Sharps and Harry Goyens as a place for experienced and novice artists to share their passion for art.

The group meets on the first Thursday of the month at Cooranbong Community Services Centre for a demonstration and workshop by a guest artist.

This will be ALM’s 21st annual exhibition.

The opening night function will be held this Friday, October 13.