Elly Abrat

I paint and draw for the sheer joy of it and have done so since early childhood.

In 1972 an artist on the St Kilda Esplanade encouraged me to take my art seriously and kindly gave me my first lessons in portraiture.  

I attended art classes with portrait artist John Balmain and several other wonderful artists.  I continued on to do further study at Chisholm College of TAFE obtaining a Diploma of Visual Art. In 2011 I was fortunate to spend a month attending life drawing classes at the Florence Academy of Art. 

Teaching: 

In the late 1970's I was invited to teach at the McClelland Guild of Artists.  

From 1992-2010 I conducted art classes for children and adults from my home-based art studio.  Student exhibitions were held at Narre Warren Library in 1992-1999 and 2001-2002

Community Art Projects:

1999-2000 Narre Warren Fire Brigade Community Art Project, funded by City of Casey.

2001 "Peoplescape" Centenary of Federation Community Arts Project, funded by City of Casey.

2006-2007 Doveton/Eumemmerring Neighbourhood Learning Centre - Local History Mural, funded by The Community Support Fund Victoria.

Art Judge:

• I have been called upon to judge art shows including 'Casey Creations" - 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and others
• Dandenong Festival of Music and Art for Youth in 2007

I consider art to be a lifelong apprenticeship and hope to continue in my pursuit of knowledge.

I reside in beautiful Bayside and having retired from teaching I now spend many hours plein air painting along the bay throughout the year.  I also pursue my love of portraiture attending untutored portrait and life drawing sessions .
I'm  a member of the Victorian Artists Society and Brighton Art Society.

You may view my work on Instagram:  ellyartart