THE death of Mary Henle, a treasured Australian artist who learned her skills painting and sketching wildflowers in Ashburton, has been met with great sadness by members and friends of an arts community in Cardwell by the Sea, North Queensland.
Mrs Henle was a founder member of the Hinchinbrook Regional Arts Association and the Cardwell Gallery, acting as a mentor and friend to fellow artists.
She developed a passion for art at a very early age, remembering, as an eight-year-old girl, sitting painting and sketching wildflowers in Ashburton.
A friend of the family recognised Mary's interest in art and gave her a small book about wildflowers and art; a life time passion developed from that one kind gift.
Daryl Dickson, publicity officer at the Hinchinbrook Regional Arts Association, said: 'She was one of those wonderful members who were always available to help out. She was always happy to share her knowledge and to learn new techniques; Mary loved art.
'From childhood wildflowers in the English countryside to a life in Australia with husband Paul Henle, Mary's life has been a rich and colourful one.
'She has raised three children and still managed to find quiet moments to pursue her passion.
'Over the years, her art has progressed and developed from wildflowers to painting pets, then to working with husband Paul to bring his timber wildlife carving to life, on to still life and most recently landscapes.
'Her portfolio of works is extensive and among her works are magnificent drawings of St Andrew's Church, Ashburton, from her early architectural studies.'
Mary's paintings are held in private collections around Australia, in parliamentary offices and in the Cardwell Shire collection at the Tully Library in far North Queensland.