Pollock, who died in 1956, was renowned for his abstract expressionist style – which was also labelled “drip painting”.

Modern-day artist Lara Scolari also paints in the abstract expressionist style.

Lara will be one of the feature artists at Maitland Regional Art Gallery’s Contemporary Art Sale, which will hold its opening night on Friday.

While Pollock painted with a splatter, Lara paints with a swirl.

We asked Lara what music she listens to when she paints.

“I always paint to music, and I have music playing continually in my home. The playlists do vary, but I am very much an album listener and like to hear the complete series of songs through – I never shuffle,” she said. 

“Some of my favourites are Powderfinger, Moby, Jack White, Jet, Sarah Blasko, Bernard Fanning, Angus & Julia Stone, Paul Simon, as well as many other ballad/rock musicians.”

She said music wasn’t her inspiration, as such, “but it definitely informs my movement and action when in the actual process of painting”.

“I do dance along,” she said.

She said abstract expressionism “gives the viewer the opportunity to bring their own personal perspective to the art”.

“Everyone experiences artwork individually and differently. Some people need to find a meaning or imagery within the work, whereas others can just let go and enjoy the artwork for the emotion and interest it brings,” she said. 

Asked if she thought art comes from the unconscious mind, she replied: “For me, definitely”.

“Because I am an action/gestural painter, I am interested in how energy informs the painting and viewing process.

“When creating my work, I do have a loose idea of composition.”

But when this idea emerges on a canvas, she has “no real plan from there”.

“I never know how they will turn out. One process informs the next – there is a visual dialogue between me and the artwork. 

“My paintings provide a space for the viewer to engage with this spectrum of energy that then provokes conversation and thought. I hope that when viewing my artworks, you are free to be transported to another state of mind.”

When she’s in the studio painting she enters “a meditative, relaxed state”.

“While I am preparing, thinking and physically layering the colour and mediums, I’m really just playing and having fun,” she said.

“I have learnt not to get caught up in the thought of the outcome, but just to let the process happen. That’s when the magic comes.”

Asked how artists can make a buck in this day and age, she said: “I think you need to be true to yourself and your practice – as well as being prolific”.

“I paint seven days a week, up to three times a day – a morning, afternoon and evening shift. Sometimes I paint in the middle of the night, as I love any opportunity to play in the studio.”

She recommends the use of social media, especially Instagram, to promote artwork. 

“Set yourself deadlines and book in exhibitions. Work out your themes/concepts and give yourself a quota of works to create, as you’ll always surprise yourself in your ability to hit your goals.”

Sticking with art, an impressive painting of Sydney Cove in 1788 is on display at Morpeth Gallery. 

The painting is said to be an accurate depiction of Sydney Cove 42 days after the First Fleet arrived. 

Gallery owner Trevor Richards said artist Ian Hansen had put “painstaking research” into the artwork.

“He is renowned around the world for his paintings, having won many international art shows,” Trevor said. 

Ever fancied painting an art forgery?

We’re not, by any means, suggesting you become a fraud. 

We’re just saying that the world of art forgery has an air of intrigue about it. 

We also like it when people find valuable artworks in dusty old attics or when stories come up about one being bought cheaply at a garage sale or a thrift store. 

For example, an American woman named Teri Horton once bought a painting from a thrift shop for $5. Horton bought the painting as a gift to cheer up a friend. But it wouldn't fit in her friend's caravan.

She later discovered it could be a Jackson Pollock painting.

At the time, she had no idea who Pollock was. She hired a forensic art specialist who found the painting was a genuine Pollock. Not everyone was convinced, though.

Pollock paintings sell for more than $150 million. Horton reportedly declined a $2 million offer from an art dealer and a $9 million offer from a Saudi art collector.

Last we heard, she was still holding out for a fair price.

Anyhow, let’s get back to the subject of art forgeries. Wyong Art House has called for entries for its Fab Fakes exhibition.

The exhibition, held in November, will display “legal” art forgeries. The cut-off date for entries is October 25.