LOLA MCFARLANE (1936-2005)

The artworks by Lola McFarlane provided on this website have been selected from a collection spanning a prolific artistic career.

Lola’s passion for life and art is demonstrated in brilliant works including contemporary, abstract, landscape, human form and still-life – all inspired by her amazing travel and life experiences. They reflect the diverse cultures and people encountered and the memories and emotions created.

An internationally exhibited artist, Lola travelled to almost every corner of the world to gather information for her work which covers more than 30 years.

Lola staged at least 25 solo exhibitions, featuring variety of subjects and media, with works developed from each of her journeys including; Africa, England, France, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Sicily, Spain and, closer to home, Uluru.

She was often accompanied on her trips by a number of her students, who would all draw, paint, live and travel together, gathering inspiration from the environment and each other.

Lola McFarlane was born and lived in Maryborough until 1992. For many years she was actively involved with the local Art Society and was rewarded with life membership. She taught art at Maryborough TAFE, surrounding colleges and privately from 1972 to 1991.

Lola moved to Redcliffe in 1992 and became well-known to many in the arts community in Queensland, as well as developing networks of artists and art-lovers in other parts of Australia and overseas.

Although regarding herself as self-taught Lola was fortunate to undertake considerable part-time study with some of Australia’s top artists including: Irene Amos, Roy Churcher, Bella Ivanni, Keith Looby, Mervyn Moriarty, Margaret Olley, John Peart, Clifton Pugh, Andrew Sibley and Ian Syme. She was also influenced by great artists including: Picasso, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Chagall, Klimt, Freda Karlo and Salvador Dali.

Over more than three decades, she forged a distinctive style and depth to her work which is uniquely "Lola".