Long time Douglas Shire artist Gail Shaw launched an exhibition of her Reef and Rainforest Watercolours on Friday evening at the iconic Karnak Playhouse Gallery in Whyanbeel just north of Port Douglas.  

About 100 invited dignitaries and art loving locals attended the opening night of the exhibition and were thrilled by Gail's captivating works of art.  Douglas Region CRC Councillor Julia Leu officially opened the three week exhibition and repeated her long held belief that for such a relatively small location, the Douglas region is blessed with some of the finest artistic talent in the world and Gail Shaw's breathtaking watercolours reconfirm that belief.

Celebrity Diane Cilento, a long time friend of Gail's Shaw's also sang her praises and was passionately enthusiastic about her phenomenal talent.  From the enthusiast reception and comments from the audience they obviously were in complete agreement.

Gail's distinctive ability to capture the colour and vibrancy of the Reef and Rainforest in her very individual style is quite wonderful.  Standing in front of one of her watercolours you can actually feel the essence and movement of both the subject and the energy and enthusiasm of the painter.

All the paintings are for sale but you shouldn't delay taking the opportunity to view this sensational exhibition for too long because, although she is leaving all the paintings up for view during the exhibition, most of them are being snapped up by eager art lovers.

The Gail Shaw, Painting in Paradise exhibition is being held at the Karnak Playhouse from May 14th to June 6th.  

Gail Shaw also passes on her talent and expertise by holding art classes to help both novices and budding artists develop their talent. Just one meeting with Gail and you realise her energy and passion for art, watercolours particularly, is infectious. As soon as we know when she can spare some time from her incredibly busy schedule for more classes, we'll let you, so you too can immerse yourself in the wealth of artistic talent that our little 'jewel of the Pacific rim' so often uncovers and you too could be 'Painting in Paradise".