About April

Email: aprilartist@hotmail.com

 

 

BIOGRAPHY

Born in Melbourne 5th April 1950.

After Matriculating at Huntingdale High, April studied fashion design and graphic arts at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology School of Arts. She then worked as a secretary and Draughts Woman for 2 years. In 1971 April married and had a family.

While living in Queensland in 1983, April studied pastel technique at the Degas School.

This was followed by exploration of Watercolour Techniques at the Queensland State Gallery.

Moved to Switzerland in 1989 and painted and had 3 solo exhibitions. April travelled extensively throughout Europe visiting many Galleries and Museums of Art. She also voluntarily assisted Art Classes at the International Private School "La Chataigneriaz" Founex, Switzerland from Yr 10 - 13 with demonstrations in watercolour, pastel and oil techniques.

Studied and learnt to speak and understand the local language (French). Returned to New South Wales, Australia in 1992. Studied Life Drawing and oil techniques until 1996, then ventured in Stage designing and painting. In 1996, April commenced full time work in administration with Rail Services Australia. 1997 Divorced. Studied Computers and cartooning. In 2002 April began working as the Corridor Artist for Rail Infrastructure Corporation and completed over 100 mural projects in the rail corridor of NSW. Many projects involved working with Councils, Police, Juvenile Justice and Youth Groups, when the projects were community murals.

Since August 2012 April works as a full time mosaic artist.

 

 

CV

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Exhibited in local shows and competitions in NSW, Queensland, South Australia and N.T.

1983

Kenmore Primary School Art Show, Qld.

Wesley Hospital Art Show, Qld.

Westfield Shopping Centre Art Show, Qld.

Lions Club of Brisbane Art Show, Qld.

A.H. & I. Society Art Show, Laidley, Qld.

A.H. & I. Society Art Show, Brookfield, Qld

A.H. & I. Society Art Show, Redlands, Qld

A.H. & I. Society Art Show, Mt. Gravatt, Qld

A.H. & I. Society Art Show, Redcliff, Qld

1984

Gallery Boronia, Faber-castell Art Competition, NSW.

1985

Waltons Exhibition of Rejects of Archibald Portrait Prize, NSW

1986

Blue Mountain's City Council Easter Art Prize, NSW.

Blue Mountain's Grammar School, Art Show, NSW.

Wentworthfalls Primary School Art Show, NSW

Mary McKillop Primary School Art Show, NSW

Warrimoo Primary School Art Show, NSW

Springwood High School Art Show, NSW

Rotary Club Art Show, Victor Harbor, SA

1987

Glenbrook Primary School Art Show, NSW

Blue Mountain's Grammar School Art Show, NSW

Mary McKillop Primary School, Art Show, NSW

Rotary Club Art Show, Victor Harbor, NSW

Featured Artist: Warrimoo Primary School Art Show, NSW

Ellison Primary School Art Show, NSW

1988

Victor Harbor Art Show, SA

Mary McKillop Primary School Art Show, NSW

A.H.& I. Society Castlehill Art Show, NSW

Braemar Gallery, Springwood, NSW

1989

La Combe, Art Competition, Nyon, Switzerland

1990

Solo Exhibition at ABBISA, Coppet, Switzerland.

Gallery ABISA, "Une Saison en Terre sainte" Coppet, Switzerland.

La Combe, Art Competition, Nyon Switzerland.

Grande Salle de Founex, Switzerland

1991

Solo Exhibition at ABBISA, Coppet, Switzerland.

Gallery ABISA, "Dessins et Sculptures" Coppet, Switzerland

Cercle International de l’Art Contemporain, Montreux, Switzerland.

1992

Solo Exhibition at ABBISA, Coppet, Switzerland.

Solo Exhibition - L'Exposition Artisanale - Salon d'exposition de L'Hotel de Chavannes-de-Bogis, Les Champs Blancs, Switzerland.

Parramatta Art Society Art Awards and Exhibition, NSW

32nd Ryde Art Awards and Exhibition, NSW

1993

Parramatta Art Society Art Award and Exhibition, NSW

Blackheath 24th Traditional Art Show, NSW

Blue Mountain's Creative Art Centre Life Drawing Exhibition, NSW

1994

Blackheath 25th Traditional Art Award and Exhibition, NSW

Blue Mountain's Creative Arts Centre Life Drawing Exhibition, NSW

Vickery's Winery Life Drawing Exhibition, NSW

Springwood Library, Lower Blue Mountains Artist's Exhibition, NSW

1995

Blue Mountain's Creative Art Centre Life Drawing Exhibition, NSW

Windsor Attic Gallery, NSW
Formed the Foothills Painters with 5 other artists and painted “Out of Doors” the Blue Mountains Bush in oils.

1996

2000 - 2014

Administration clerk for Railways

2000

Railway Corridor Artist – painted murals in the rail corridor for NSW

Mural projects completed: 97 murals in the rail corridor from 2000 – 2012

2012-2020

Mosaic Artist

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THEATER PRODUCTIONS

1983

Painted backdrops for the Kenmore Primary School production of "Oliver".

1990

Assisted in backdrops for the International School Chataigneriaz production of "Alice in Wonderland".

1993

Assisted in make up design for the Blaxland High School production of "The Wiz"

1996 - 2006

Designed and painted stage backdrops for the Blue Mountains Musical Society for 19 Musicals: “My Fair Lady,” “Into the Woods,” “ Little Night Music,” “Rudigore,” “White Horse Inn,” “ Oliver”, “West Side Story”, “Hello Dolly”, “Cabaret”, “Chess”, “Pirates of Penzance”, “Brigadoon”, “Camelot”, “Cinderella”, “Paint Your Wagon”, “The Gondoliers”, “Little Shop of Horrors”, “Mikado” and “7 Brides for 7 Brothers”.

2005-2006

Assisted in backdrops for Springwood High School for two Rock Eisteddfod Challenges.

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AWARDS RECEIVED

1983

A.H. & I. Society, Laidley, Qld.: - Second Prize - Pen and Ink.

A.H. & I. Society, Brookfield, Qld.: - Second Prize - Watercolour.

A.H. & I. Society, Redlands, Qld.: - Second Prize - Watercolour.

A.H. & I. Society, Mt. Gravatt, Qld.: - First Prize - Watercolour.

A.H. & I. Society, Redcliff, Qld.: - Highly Commended - Watercolour.

Westfield Shopping Centre Art Show, Qld - First Prize - Watercolour.

1984

Faber-castell Art Prize, Pastel chosen for exhibit., Boronia Gallery, N.S.W.

1985

Waltons Exhibition, Pastel chosen for Rejects of Archibald Portrait Prize, NSW.

Art Comp., Friends of Braemar Gallery, N.S.W.: - Highly Commended -Pencil.

1988

A.H. & I. Society, Castlehill, NSW, Bicentennial - First Prize Portraiture -Oil.

1989

Art Comp., La Combe, Nyon, Switzerland - Seventh Prize - Watercolour, "Mont Blanc".

1990

Art Comp., La Combe, Nyon, Switzerland, 2nd Prize (SF1,500.00) Watercolour/Pastel.

1991

Cercle International de L'Art Contemporain, Montreux, Switzerland, Bronze Medallion - Pastel & Watercolour.

1992

Parramatta Art Society Art Awards - Highly Commended - Water Colour

1996 -2006

Many awards and letters of thanks from local Communities

2009

Awarded Life Membership of Blue Mountains Musical Society

2010

Community Service Award - RailCorp

2011

Certificate of Appreciation – Community Art Facilitation - Leichhardt Council

2014

1st Prize - Sydney Royal Easter Show NSW - 3D Mosaic: "Look Mummy"

2015

3rd Prize - MAANZ National Contemporary Exhibition - 3D mosaic: “Find your Inner Beauty”

2016

2nd Prize - Sydney Royal Easter Show NSW - 2D Mosaic: "Forgotten House"

1st Prize - MAANZ VIC Exhibition - 2D mosaic: "Chemistry of Colour"

People's Choice Winner - MAANZ VIC Exhibition: "Ishbel with a Blue Door"

2017

Selected for MAANZ National Exhibition Hobart: 2D Mosaic "Ring a Ring a Roses"

2018

Selected for Blue Mountains Portraits Exhibition: 2D Mosaic "Caitlin the Artist and Teacher"

2019

Awarded Judges Choice MAANZ National Exhibition Canberra. "Rock behind the Man" Judge: Dr. Claire Barnett, USA

2020

Selected by MAI for "100 Moments" Exhibition "Ciber Girl with a Pearl Earing" 

2022

Awarded Highly Commended at MAANZ NSW Branch Exhibition for "Goodmorning Kiss"

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PUBLICATIONS

1988

Illustrations and Cover for book "A Look Into The Past, Ellison the Name, the School" Cook & Halse

1990

Pastel drawing "Grande Rue de Coppet" In book by Commune de Coppet.

1992

Pastel drawing "Grande Rue de Founex" In book by Commune de Founex.

2000

Illustrations and Cover for book "Rouse Hill Public School 1875 - 2000 by Marian Blakeney McMahon

2003

Featured on Channel 7 News for hut painting in the Rail Corridor.

2004

Article on mural done by April Keogh at Petersham, Sydney in "On Track" Page 15.

2005

Article on mural done by April Keogh at Mortuary Station Platform, Sydney in "On Track" Page 23.

2006

A chapter featuring April Keogh, Corridor Artist in the book "On Wooden Rails" by Peter O'Connor Page 248.

2006

Article on mural done by April Keogh on Chalmers Street, Sydney on "Illustrating Rail History" in "On Track" Page 12'

Part of the design of the mural done by April Keogh in Devonshire Tunnel, Sydney is used for stationary for the Rail Historical Society.

2009

Booklet “Employer of Choice”

“DiversCity Wall – Auburns Vision” Cumberland Industries

2011-2012

“On Track” and “Rail News” presenting many mural projects.

2022

Magazine "MOSAIQUE" Article on MAANZ National Exhibition with "Rock behind the Man"

Magazine Opus Oracle Nov 22 Issue 39 Page 39 "Goodmorning Kiss"

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COLLECTIONS

Blue Mountains City Council, Katoomba, N.S.W., Pastel, "Portrait of Mrs. Cas Stokes."

Blue Mountains Dentist Surgery, Scene of bush in waiting room.

Blue Mountains Grammar School, Wentworthfalls, N.S.W., Watercolour, "Renovators Dream".

Brother Industries (Aust) P/L. Artarmon, NSW, Watercolour, "Farmhouse- Qld."

Gallery Gingins, Switzerland, "Le Barrage".

Rotary Club Parramatta, Scene of Sydney scape for background to TV Hook up with Rotary San Francisco

Rural Press Group, Windsor, N.S.W., Watercolour, "Old House at Hartley"

April’s works are also a feature of many private collections in Australia, Europe, Canada and America.

Railcorporation – Over 100 murals in the rail corridor – Public Art

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PRIVATE COLLECTIONS

  • “Alpage” Mr. & Mrs. Borland, Ontario, Canada.
  • “Auberge de Founex” Mr. & Mrs. V. Morgan, Springwood, NSW, Australia.
  • “Backyard” Mrs. Allan, Divonne, France
  • “Barque” Mr. & Mrs. Williams, Gingins, Switzerland.
  • “Belly Dancer” (Mosaic)
  • “Blue Mountains” Ms. Anne Parry, Palmerston, NT. Australia.
  • “Bringing in the Canoes” Mrs. Anne Francis Johnson, Stirling, Sth Australia.
  • “Carol” Mme. Bossart, Coppet, Switzerland.
  • “Champery en Eté” Mr. & Mrs. Baker, Geneva, Switzerland
  • “Church at Emu Plains” Mr. & Mrs. Moalem, Springwood, NSW, Australia.
  • “Eglise de Coppet” Mr. & Mrs. Ewins, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
  • “Eglise de Trelex” Mr. & Mrs. Picthall, Geneva, Switzerland.
  • “Fenêtre” M. & Mme. Deblué, Founex, Switzerland.
  • “Geneve Dans Le Broillard” Mr. & Mrs. Hunt, Borex, Switzerland
  • “Geranium à La Fenêtre” Mr. & Mrs. Almgren, Founex, Switzerland.
  • “Gingins 1” & “Gingins 2” Mr. & Mrs. I Ferguson, Gingins, Switzerland.
  • “Grande Rue de Coppet” Commune de Coppet, Switzerland.
  • “Grande Rue de Founex” Commune de Founex, Switzerland.
  • “Jeune Fille” Mr. & Mrs. Hills, Anzere, Switzerland.
  • “Kurrajong” Mrs. Manzie, Darwin, NT, Australia
  • “La Châtaigneraie” Mr. & Mrs. Divine, Virginia, USA
  • “La Ferme d’Australie” Mr. & Mrs. Ewins, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
  • “Lantern” Mrs Hanmer, Geneva, Switzerland.
  • “Le Cheval” M. & Mme. Zuber, Founex, Switzerland.
  • “Les Alpes” Mr. & Mrs. Broadbridge, Nyon, Switzerland
  • “Les Maisons â Founex” M. & Mme Deblue, Vaud, Switzerland.
  • “Les Ombres” M. DeBoursac, Meyrin, Switzerland.
  • “Mont Blanc 1” Mr. & Mrs. Ward, Los Angeles, USA
  • “Mont Blanc 2” Mr. & Mrs. A. Harrison, Chavannes-de-Bogis, Switzerland.
  • “Portrait of Deborah” Mr. & Mrs. Gardiner, Mt. Riverview, NSW
  • “Portrait of Hazel” Mrs. Borland, Ontario, Canada.
  • “Portrait of Samantha” Mr. Manzie, Clayton, Vic. Australia.
  • “Portrait of Vanessa” M. & Mme Impicciatore, Switzerland.
  • “Portrait of Mrs. Cas Stokes” Blue Mountains City Council, NSW. Australia.
  • “River Cox” Mr. & Mrs. Oderberge, Faulconbridge, NSW, Australia
  • “Seascape” Mr. Boersma, Springwood, NSW. Australia
  • “Sion” Mr. & Mrs. Peterson, Founex, Switzerland.
  • “The Cricket Match” Mr. & Mrs. O’Brian, Castlehill, NSW, Australia
  • “The Outback” Mrs. Jones, Founex, Switzerland.
  • “The Old Doors, Coppet” Mr. & Mrs. J. Frawley, Valley Heights, NSW, Australia
  • “The Workers” Mrs. A White, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia
  • “View of the Loch” Mr. & Mrs. Farmer, Helensborough, Scotland. GB
  • “Wentworthfalls” Mr. &. J Malkowski, Singapore.
  • “Wisteria” Mr. & Mrs. Almgren, Founex, Switzerland.
  • And many others sold through galleries where I haven’t kept records of the buyer’s name.

Mosaic Sales

  • 2017 2D Mosaic "Forgotten Home" and 2D Mosaic"Nina"
  • 2019 2D Mosaic "Natures Transitions / States of Nature"
  • 2021 2D Mosaic "Ciber Girl with a  Pearl Earring"
  • 2022 2D Mosaic "Sydney"

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QUALIFICATIONS

1968

Matriculation at Huntingdale High
1969

RMIT University studied Diploma of Art Fashion Design Course

1973

Typing Course – Touch type

1996-1997

State Rail Training

1998

The Nepean Valley Academy of Learning Centre Pty Ltd

State Rail Training

Nepean College Western Sydney Institute: 7463 Certificate 1 in Visual Arts

1999

Nepean College Western Sydney Institute 7463 Certificate 1 in Visual Arts

State Rail Training

2002

State Rail Training

2004

South Western Sydney Institute TAFE

2005

PO1 – Protection Officer Level 1

2006

State Rail Training. Pollak Learning Alliance

2012

Project Management Cert 1V TAFE

Mosaics Equivalent Cert 1V

2019

Certificate of Attendance from KoKo Mosaico, Ravenna, Italy for 20 hour course Contemporary Technique

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