Ms Epstein is a Melbourne-based artist who grew up with a passion for drawing and went on to become a fashion illustrator. 

“Wherever I travel I’m sketching – whether it is people or buildings – and always en plein air, outside and from real life, never from photographs,” she said. 

 Ms Walsh is also from Melbourne, but has been living in Ballarat for three months after a year of commuting. 

Her background is as a graphic designer and illustrator, which she says has influenced her art. 

“My work is now layered with a lot of different medium, like sewing, screen printing and text,” she said. 

While the exhibition was Ms Epstein’s idea, it was Ms Walsh who discovered the tucked away gallery.

“It’s a really nice space,” she said.

“I like that it is in the back of an optometrist because it’s like a New York speakeasy hidden space without being grungy... they’ve done it really well.” 

Ms Epstein is exhibiting her fashion illustrations, which were originals and about a decade old.  

But she said they were unique with fashion design now often done on the computer. 

“Jade’s work is also the female form but from a different point of view so we thought we would have the exhibition together,” she said. 

“Her point of view is more romantic and drama... they’re bigger and vibrant paintings, whereas mine are just straight fashion figures, so I think it is a nice contrast.”

It is Ms Epstein’s first time exhibiting her artwork in Ballarat and she is excited for the new audience. 

“I’ve got friends from Melbourne who come because of the art here and I think there is a country feel in Ballarat and Daylesford for artists – I’m hoping they will appreciate my work,” she said.

“Being able to draw is fabulous, it has enriched me and this is the way I can give back.”

The exhibition opens at Fairbanks Eye Gallery on Friday, February 10, and runs until Saturday, March 11.