PROFILE:  Maureen Harley has spent most of her working life as a mental health nurse finding that the skill set for this role easily translates to her art practice which she picked up again some years ago.  Keen observational skills and attention to detail are utilised in the portrayal of Harley’s subjects which are drawn from her love of animals and rural upbringing. A foray into the arena of art shows and art prize competitions in the 2022 saw Harley’s work gain some recognition with selection as a finalist in the National Capital art prize. Since then, Harley’s works have made the finalist list in some of Australia’s better known and prestigious art prizes with pieces of her work now hanging in Australia, England and America.