North Shore Times, Australia
Feb 9 2007
`Our Glad’ painted in a new light
08Feb07
GORDON artist Diana Cole wanted to paint a portrait of Gladys
Berejiklian for the exhibition Power in the House because she saw her
as someone totally commited to Parliament.
“I’ve painted two portraits and now I have to work out which one to
enter,” Cole said.
“I’d like to submit one for the Archibald Prize if the paint is dry
in time but my main objective is the Power in the House exhibition.”
Before she began painting, Cole spent some time on research.
“I like a portrait to include references which tell something about
the subject,” she said.
“Gladys has Armenian ancestry and Armenians are proud that their
country was the first totally Christian nation.
“Crosses on the border of the painting are a reference to
Christianity.”
As elected Member for Willoughby, Gladys represents an area including
Artarmon, Cammeray, Castle Cove, Chatswood, Naremburn, Northbridge
and Willoughby.
She also lives in Willoughby.
Cole’s home is in Gordon but she feels that Willoughby is almost her
second home because she has spent so much time with the Sketch Club
at the Workshop Art Centre in Laurel St.
“I like to paint portraits of people who interest me,” Cole said.
“I do not accept commissions because I am a figurative artist, not a
portrait painter.”
Member for Willoughby since 2003, Ms Berejiklian is the first person
of Armenian descent to be elected to NSW Parliament.
It was another “first” for Ms Berejiklian, who as president of the
NSW Young Liberal Party was one of only four female presidents in the
Party’s history.
Having her portrait painted was a also a “first”.
“I never thought I would have it done,” she said.
“I didn’t think I’d have the courage but from the moment I met Diana
I felt confident.
“I have enjoyed seeing how she works and I like the way she paints
real people.”