KAB Gallery Terrigal Becomes the Muse for Central Coast Artists’ En Plein Air Session

Today at KAB Gallery Terrigal, I was treated to a special creative experience right outside our doors at Aroma’s Cafe. A talented group of Central Coast artists gathered at the cafe tables near the gallery for a planned day of en plein air painting. KAB Gallery Terrigal was the subject and I was absolutely thrilled to see the paintings come to life. Led by the wonderful Central Coast artist and tutor, Cheryl Bruce, the artists braved the rainy weather, taking cover under cafe umbrellas as they worked. Even with a few raindrops falling, they enthusiastically continued to paint and brought my Terrigal art gallery storefront to life with gorgeous detail.

The set up with a very organised system of compact materials consisting of watercolour, brushes and ink to create art on their watercolour paper pads. The group seemed so relaxed and happy alongside each other sharing technique and details as they brought KAB Gallery to life with paint. I saw them looking up constantly to ensure they were capturing all the intricate features that make our gallery windows unique. From the well-known painting styles, iconic sculptures and business awards proudly displayed in the windows through to the watery reflection of Terrigal Beach on the glass, every detail was meticulously translated onto A4-sized paper canvases. They even captured the welcoming flags that read “art gallery open.” Our Central Coast art gallery has used these flags every day of trade since we opened in 2013 so it is quite a notable aspect of our art gallery frontage. 

Their paint-out unfolded in stages, beginning with basic outlines and progressing gradually to fully realized works of art. It was very interesting to intermittently take a peek at each artist’s interpretation of the gallery as it evolved throughout the day. Cheryl Bruce, is the group’s tutor, and offered such gentle guidance and encouragement throughout the morning with her own demonstration work in-hand. To top off a beautiful morning, Cheryl generously gifted me her completed painting, which I immediately took to the framers. 

I took many photos and they are now available to view on our Instagram @kab.gallery and Facebook page and you can learn more about Cheryl Bruce and her creative tuition at @cheryl.bruce.creativ. I am so fortunate to have such a thriving Central Coast art community, and it was truly a privilege to watch these talented artists at work in the Aromas on Sea cafe at Crowne Plaza Terrigal.  

As always, KAB Gallery are proud to be part of the vibrant art scene here on the Central Coast. We welcome you to visit our gallery to enjoy a rotating selection of original Australian artworks, often featuring scenes of Terrigal and beyond. We look forward to more moments like these that celebrate the talent and creativity of our local artists and the inspiration they find in places like Terrigal.

About the author

Kerry-Anne Blanket

Director & Curator - KAB Gallery

KAB Gallery’s Kerry-Anne Blanket holds a Bachelor of Visual Arts and two Masters degrees (Hons) from the University of Sydney. With an extensive career in art education along with the management of museums and investment art galleries, Kerry-Anne can offer premier art consulting to her clients and source specially requested works. 

She has a keen eye for detail, comprehensive art market knowledge and a love of all things beautiful. Kerry-Anne works directly with artists and collectors alike to curate interesting and eclectic exhibitions.