Painting a bright future

Year 12 student, Sarah McMaster always knew she was going to be an artist. From drawing on kindy paper to practising techniques passed down from her art teachers, she soon discovered her passion for life-like imagery.

‘Impressionism typically captures movement really well and I always strive to use aspects of it in my own work,’ Sarah said.

Sarah has already enjoyed some highlights over her short journey as an artist including ‘Most Promising’ prize at the 2022 FACETS Art Exhibition.

Adding to the excitement of the award, her watercolour of Toowoomba’s Japanese Gardens was among the many pieces that sold, and she said she couldn’t have been more excited.

‘I was overjoyed that someone would appreciate the artwork that I had spent so much time trying to perfect.

The entire experience was exciting and was really rewarding to receive so much positive feedback.’

The Visual Arts Captain is just five months shy of finishing at Fairholme College, and says she hopes to combine her love of art with psychology.

‘I plan on studying visual art and psychology at university. While I’m not entirely sure what I want to do with my future, I know I want to do something that allows me to be creative and help others.’



While Sarah isn’t focusing on any future exhibitions at the moment, she says she’s been enjoying painting pet portraits for her friends.

‘I’ve also been working on building up my portfolio for the future, but for now I’ve had so much fun seeing the joy on my friends faces when I give them a portrait of their four-legged friend.’

And as for what she’ll miss most about Fairholme…

‘Most definitely the friendships, the acceptance and the encouraging culture of Fairholme and being able to see my peers and close friends every day.’