Penny Lyras
Painter (Cromer Heights, NSW)

Greek born self taught Australian artist, Penny Lyras, was inspired to paint from a very young age, as she watched her father, an artist himself, painting in his study. At the age of nine Penny came to Australia with her parents from Athens, Greece. Her father insisted she should master her sketching and perspective first before she attempted to paint in oils. At fifteen years of age, her father presented her with her first set of oil paints and easel, and hence she started to paint, her first oil painting being the view of Sydney Harbour from her Elizabeth Bay bedroom window.

Penny Lyras has exhibited professionally since 1974, around Australia in countless exhibitions including her own major successful art exhibitions containing a wide variety of subjects. Brings the attributes of light, colour and texture to her work, she uses them in a way that transforms a picture into a three-dimentional masterpiece, and oli paints allow her freedom! In the 1990's Penny became famous for her depictions of English thatched cottages, so in 1993 she was commitioned to do for Bradford Exchange "Colonoal Cottages" series.

Peny has exhibited and won numerous awards around Australia since 1974 Own Atr Exhibitions:

1974: Two Women Art Exhibition in Dee Why NSW
1975: Two Women Art Exhibition in Dee Why NSW
1977: Greek National Tourist Organisation & National Bank of Greece Art Exhibition, NSW
1978: Greek National Tourist Organisation & Bank of Greece Art Exhibition, NSW
1979: Two Women art Exhibition, Waverly Centre, Pitt St, NSW 1980:Belgrave Art Gallery, NSW 1981:Penny Lyras Art Exh. Kytherian Club, NSW
1982: Jolly Berrie Gallery, Paddington, NSW
1983: Greek national Tourist Org. NSW
1984:Masters Gallery, Bonville, NSW
1985: The Rocks GalleryArt Exh. NSW
1991:The Painted Moon Gallery, Leura, NSW
1992:The Silver Saddle Fine Art Gallery, Balgowlah, NSW
1994: Eddie Glastra Galleries, Paddington, NSW
2003:Won Peoples Choise Award in Warringah Council Art
2006:Won peoples Choice Award in Warringah Council Art
2006:Won Peoples Choice Award in Norvill Art Prize  

Artists Statement:
I love painting and receive great satisfaction from it. I escape into my painting and put all my being into my work. Sometimes I will stand back and observe as people comment on my work. it's the most honest feedback you can get! the public are the best critics and judges.

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