THE devastating impact of climate change on animal species is explored in a new exhibition by artist Lynne Tinley.

The failure of successive world leaders to tackle global warming plunged the White Gum Valley artist into despair, and she turned to her paint brushes for relief.

Endangered

“This exhibition, Earth Grief, is a retrospective from the last 10 years when I was going through grief for the planet,” she says.

The cathartic paintings helped Tinley deal with dark thoughts about species extinction.

“They are darker and heavier than works I’m doing now, which are more positive and hopeful.”

Evocative and powerful, the semi-abstract forms depict brooding wildlife. Stunning pictures of endangered Carnaby and red tailed cockatoos are somewhat lighter, with an almost naive charm.

• Artist Lynne Tinley. Photo Jenny D’Anger

“I have always loved primitive things in nature and the birds are like a totem. They symbolise the sacredness of these birds in our lives.”

She spent years in the African bush with ecologist husband Ken, drawing native animals and helping to preserve the environment.

Tinley has been painting for more than 50 years and trained at the Claremont School of Art.

Her works are in private and public collections in the USA, UK, Germany, Portugal, Namibia and Mozambique.

Earth Grief is at the Sustainable Housing for Artist and Creatives, Cower Mews, White Gum Valley on September 28-30.

by JENNY D’ANGER