Steve Sheppard's exhibition Imaginings at Stringer Gallery, Nambucca Heads

Many would attest that this is the sign of a true artist.

Local residents will have the opportunity to appreciate Steve's work as he will be the Artist of the Month for September, as announced by the Nambucca Valley Arts Council (NVAC).

The exhibition Imaginings promises to be varied, with detailed and textured landscapes and surprising highly imaginative works.

Mainly small-scale drawings will be exhibited, along with acrylic paintings and relief work.

Steve is currently working a lot in pencil, but his preferred medium is a black felt tip pen.

Years ago, he started his creative journey with simple doodling, and asking himself,

"How do people get this detail in their pictures? Obviously, they take their time! I can't just do the shape of a tree ... I've got to do every leaf."

Steve notes his older brother Alan, who drew and painted, was an inspiration.

With simple drawing materials, Steve is able to achieve remarkable fine detail, capturing for example, the shadows and texture of tree trunks and old boards.

He loves to accentuate dark areas which enhance depth and contrast in his work and by holding his pen at the right angle, softer furry textures are achieved.

After over 60 years in the Newcastle area, Steve moved to Nambucca just four-and-a-half years ago.

He loves living here as the beaches, the bush, the river, offer so much to inspire.

He enjoys being a member of NVAC and the art community in general and seeing how other artists convey what they see, feel and believe in so many ways.

Imaginings will be at The Stringer Gallery in the Nambucca Community and Arts Centre, Ridge St, Nambucca Heads.

A second exhibition, of members' work, entitled Landscapes and Scenes Around the World, will also feature.

Although none of us is able to travel and investigate distant lands, your Arts Council is pleased to be able to bring the world to you.

When you visit the gallery, you might be lucky enough to find Steve sitting at the desk, which he does regularly.

Imaginings will be on show from Wednesday September 1 to Friday October 1.

The Gallery is open (when government restrictions allow) Mondays to Fridays, 10am-3pm, and Saturdays 9.30am-noon.

Audrey Williams presented her exhibition 'Australiana'

Peta Coe presented her exhibition "Looking Back"

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: