Noeline paints because she must. An artist must have an inner compulsion, a knife in their back to drive them forward to paint or to sculpt. Throughout the long years I have known and watched her mature as a painter, she has not lost this inner compulsion which drives her with a quiet ferocity to paint regardless of time, place or circumstance. Tissa Ranasinghe

Noeline Fernando was a distinguished Sri Lankan artist and educator whose vibrant career spanned several decades, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s art scene. Her artistic journey commenced in 1965 when she joined the Melbourne Art Classes under the guidance of Cora Abraham. This formative experience laid the foundation for her unique style characterized by bold use of color and sensitive application. Her time at the Heatherley School of Fine Art in Chelsea, England, where she attended open studio classes in life drawing in 1991, further honed her skills and influenced her artistic development.

Her artistic style was marked by a direct approach, emphasizing her capacity to redefine structures, whether in the makeup of faces or landscapes. She described her style as “direct,” enjoying the process of reinterpreting forms and structures in her work. This approach allowed her to infuse her paintings with a sense of immediacy and personal expression, making her work both accessible and deeply personal. Fernando’s early involvement with the Young Artists’ Group propelled her into the limelight, leading to international exhibitions such as “The Man & His World” in Montreal in 1970 and the Septième Biennale de Paris in 1971.

Beyond her artistic achievements, Fernando was deeply committed to art education and community engagement. She taught at various institutions, including SOS Children’s Village International, St. Bridget’s Convent, Ladies’ College, and the School for the Special Child in Colombo. Her teaching philosophy emphasized guiding students to express their perceptions and emotions, fostering creativity and self-expression. Fernando also conducted art camps and workshops for vulnerable children, helping them heal and find joy through art.

Noeline Fernando’s legacy is one of passion, dedication, and a profound belief in the transformative power of art. Her contributions as an artist and educator have inspired countless individuals, nurturing a love for art and creativity in generations to come. Her passing in 2020 was a significant loss to the Sri Lankan art community, but her influence endures through her artworks and the many students she mentored.