biography

Amanda Hyatt was born in Melbourne and grew up in arty Eltham. She was greatly influenced by the Heidelberg School of Artists and she was encouraged by her art teacher, who despaired when she studied science. In 1971 an introduction to the art and stories of Norman Lindsay confirmed that a passionate creative spirit lurked within.

After several long years at University doing chemistry, then teaching maths and science, she gave it all away to pursue painting. A comprehensive art history study tour of European galleries in the heady year of 1976 helped foster an appreciation of magnificent paintings and respect for art as a complete vocation.

Mainly self taught, she has made it her life-long ambition to master watercolour, a medium that looks easy, but is actually more difficult than oil and harder to conquer. She has become known for her strong watercolours with their powerful zen-like brushstrokes. Her diverse subject matter includes landscapes, street scenes, water, boats and atmospheric interiors.

Amanda has received many awards throughout her career including First Prizes such as the prestigious A.M.E. Bale Award 1990 (Watercolour); Gold medal Camberwell Rotary 1992 (judged by Sir William Dargie) and St Kevin’s Prize 1999 and 2002.

Other awards include Highly Commended at Kew Rotary 1987 and 1989; Mt Waverley Rotary 1989, 1991, 1993, 2000, 2002 and 2003; Geelong Spring festival 1990; Toorak Teachers College 1991 and 1999; St Kevin’s Art Show 1992-1995, 2003; Camberwell Rotary 1996, 1997, 1999 and 2000; Bright 2001.

Further recognition includes runner up for Camberwell Rotary Travel Grant 1988; Finalist, Camberwell Rotary Travel Grant 1990 and 1992; Best Oil Under $1500 Mount Waverley 2002; Best watercolour under $2000 Camberwell Rotary 1998; Best Watercolour under $1500 Ivanhoe 1999 and 2001; Best Urban Landscape Camberwell Rotary 2001 and 2002.

Amanda has had many group and solo exhibitions in Australia. And of special note are her two successful exhibitions in New York in 1998 and 1999.

Amanda has painted many commissions including portraits of Sir Malcolm McIntosh (CEO CSIRO) and Dr M. D. Rickard (Chief, Division Animal Health), Prof P. Doherty (Nobel Laureate), Dr W. Snowdon (former Chief AAHL, CSIRO), Mr Barry Jones (President Australian Labor Party) and Dr Robin Batterham (Australia’s Chief Scientist).

Amanda is a Signatory Member of Victorian Artists Society, an Invited Member of Australian Watercolour Institute and Twenty Melbourne Painters Society.

Her work has featured in Australian Artist magazine, International Artist magazine, “Best of Watercolor: Painting Light & Shadow” and “Best of Marine Art” both produced by Rockport Publishers and in “Australian Watercolour Institute 75th Anniversary 1923-1998”.

Amanda has had four solo exhibitions at Kew Gallery.