RATHER than writing down stories in the pages of a book, Elenore Binge prefers to take a paintbrush and plethora of colours to share her tales.

The artist grew up near Goondiwindi and now lives in Inverell but visited the Southern Downs this weekend for the Waringh Waringh Bunya Festival.

Ms Binge started creating art when she was about 12 years old, after watching her great aunt paint.

Her style is contemporary, using a rainbow of colours to bring her stories to life.

"Due to colonisation we lost a lot of our culture and stories, so a lot of my paintings tell stories,” she said.

Painting is a way for Ms Binge to preserve tales for the next generation, which she also does by teaching children Aboriginal art at Boggabilla Central School.

She's also reviving the Gamilaraay language, which she sees as another important element of preserving indigenous culture.

One of her paintings depicts the sacred site of Boobera Lagoon, where the warrior Tullulla killed the rainbow serpent.

"Legend has it now the rainbow serpent lays dormant at the lagoon,” Ms Binge said.

Ms Binge said it was empowering to tell her stories through pictures, but also share them with the next generation.

Art can break down barriers and help educate people about indigenous culture, she said.

She has also created an indigenous jersey for the Canberra Raiders Rugby League club in 2014 and 2016.

"I think it's important to keep doing what our ancestors did for thousands of years,” Ms Binge said.

Ms Binge plans to open a shop soon to sell her work, which she creates using paint brushes, paint pens, spray paint and acrylics.

To find out more about her work, email ebinge@y7mail.com.