Ballet and the other Arts provide nourishment for the soul and need to be cared for and supported to allow them to continue to enrich our lives.

This exhibition showcases the story of Isabella’s latest portrait of Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, and Li Cunxin AO the artistic director of Queensland ballet. It tells the story of all that goes into bringing us The Ballet and the important role it plays in our community.

Her Excellency, the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, is Patron of Queensland Ballet and frequently attends opening night performances as an avid supporter of the Arts; whilst Li Cunxin AO is celebrating his 10th anniversary as Queensland Ballet’s Artistic Director.

 Li Cunxin’s discipline and dedication to ballet brought him to where he is today. Li’s autobiography, ‘Mao’s Last Dancer’, is a story that began with a childhood of poverty. Li now gives many inspirational talks in relation to the challenges he faced and how he overcame them

This portrait titled “Dancing From the Heart” celebrates Li Cunxin’ s 10th anniversary as artistic director at QLD ballet and Her Excellency, the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM new position as Governor of Queensland. The original portrait will be included alongside Isabella’s other artworks at her solo show at Aspire Gallery.

Isabella’s artworks are a dance between soft lyrical abstract flow and fine detailed realism. Her oil and pastel paintings of dancers in different settings tell stories and capture atmospheric moods. She draws on the Impressionist Masters such as Degas for inspiration.

As a mature aged ballet dancer who still performs on pointe, she combines her love of art and dance in these artworks by occasionally coordinating themed photoshoots with dancers for reference material for her artwork.

Glints of copper leaf, tulle netted tutus, accents of magenta, viridian & teal in rich oils or soft pastels contrast against the warm earthy colours of the Australian landscape in her paintings.