Notes on a Sunday

“Notes on Sunday” captures a tranquil moment of introspection and creative inspiration, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere of a leisurely morning.

At the heart of the painting sits a woman, comfortably seated at a breakfast table, her posture relaxed as she focuses intently on the pages of her notebook. With pen in hand, she scribbles down her thoughts, perhaps jotting down reflections on the quietude of the morning or the beauty of the world unfolding before her.

Behind her, a profusion of blue hydrangeas lead the viewer’s gaze outwards through the open French doors. Beyond the threshold, sunlight streams in, casting a soft, ethereal glow that suffuses the scene with warmth and radiance.

Soft blues, teal greens, and muted purples dominate the color palette, evoking a sense of tranquility and harmony with nature. Amidst these serene hues, a concentrated hint of golden yellow emanates from a nearby reading lamp, adding a touch of coziness and intimacy to the tableau.

Executed primarily with a palette knife, the painting features large, energetic textures that imbue the composition with a sense of dynamism and movement. These bold, expressive strokes draw the eye towards the central figure, while also capturing the spontaneity and vitality of the creative process.

“Notes on Sunday” is a celebration of the simple pleasures found in moments of quiet contemplation and creative expression. It invites the viewer to pause, to reflect, and to savor the beauty of everyday life unfolding in all its wondrous detail.

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Marieka Hambledon is an Adelaide based portrait artist whose work explores the human condition. Hambledon grew up in an artistic household and started painting from a young age. She began her university studies in film, before transferring into a fine art degree and then eventually studied graphic design that lead to a successful 10-year career.

With her parents involved in both theatre and counselling, Hambledon was drawn to painting different characters and exploring what it means to be human. Hambledon’s art practice is primarily in acrylics to achieve her distinct dotting style. Her technique is inspired by the pointillists, utilising colourful dots and optical blending to achieve a photo realistic appearance.

Hambledon’s work is in many private collections in Adelaide and Victoria, and a commissioned work was offered as the prize for the Howard Twelftree Award in 2016. In 2019 Hambledon was a finalist in the Kennedy Award, and a semi-finalist in the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize. Most recently, Hambledon was a finalist in the 2020 Bluethumb Art Prize and the SBS Portrait Prize.