Small Works in Oils 

 by Yvonne Patton 

The Budgeon's display case - Richmond Library Foyer

415 Church Street, Richmond (Melbourne)

2 February to 30 April 2019

Review by Cressida Fox

Cleocatra, oil on board, 15 x 20 cm, by Yvonne Patton

Yvonne Patton’s exhibition of 13 small works shows just some of the subjects she has painted over nearly 40 years. She chooses to work mostly in oils, for the richness of colour. Much of her inspiration comes from everyday things such as flowers, fruits and pther items of still life, also life models and sometimes the neighbours' cats, whatever takes her fancy at the time.

In this exhibition, two of the works come from the influences of life drawing. One shows two female figures at a window, the other is an elegant female nude draped in a red kimono. Another work, In Monet's Garden, shows a cottage garden in full bloom. The other 10 works are all cat portraits, rich in colour and character.

Yvonne’s works are laid out on white cloth within the case. Some works are in rich gold frames that accentuate the colourful works within, others are unframed boards. Some characters, like Cleocatra and Barbara Catland, have been embellished with glass gems and pearls.

All of these cats are charicatures of well known human characters. The costumes are from films, photos and paintings, or imagined. Miouralan Monroe is a blue eyed white cat, in that iconic flowing dress that flies up. Cleocatra and Mouna Lisa are blue eyed Abysinians. Louis Catorze, a long haired white, struts in his slashed doublet and pantaloons. Eartha Kitt, a short haired black with green eyes, is up on stage in her gold gown and red painted claws. Mary Queen of Cats is a regal grey tabby. Elle MacFurcat, grey with white paws and a yellow bikini, has admiring toms lined up in the background.

These works show great fun and imagination, as well as great painting skill. Displayed with the works are some of Yvonne’s tools of trade, including oil paint tubes, brushes, palette knives, and can of painting medium, carefully laid out with the artworks.

Mouna Lisa, oil on board, 15 x 20 cm, by Yvonne Patton

Kimono, oil on canvas, 23 x 30 cm, by Yvonne Patton

In Monet's Garden, oil on canvas, 25 x 30 cm, and Barbara Catland, oil on board, 15 x 20 cm

Miouralan Monroe, oil on board, 15 x 20 cm, by Yvonne Patton

Louis Catorze and Eartha Kitt, both oil on board, 23 x 28 cm

Mary Queen of Cats, oil on board, 23 x 28 cm, by Yvonne Patton

In the Window, Kimono and Barbara Catland with artist’s materials