Welcome to my artist blog - a space where I’ll share my thoughts, process, and the ongoing evolution of my work as a Tasmanian-based landscape painter. Writing about my art feels like the next step in clarifying its direction, deepening my understanding of it, and, most importantly, helping me communicate it to others.
To start, let me tell you something fundamental about my practice: I think I’m what they call a "colourist." Colour is my greatest inspiration - it energises me, moves me, and invigorates my work. It’s the heart of what I do. I don’t want to box myself into a specific colour palette; instead, I aim to keep experimenting, playing, and finding new combinations that excite me.
Colour is powerful. It shapes our moods and emotions - it can calm, inspire, energise, and even overwhelm. I feel its impact deeply, and because I do, I know others must feel it too.
As a painter, I’m always seeking and thinking about colour. It’s as if I’m in constant dialogue with it, whether it’s the soft hues of a winter sky or the bold pop of wildflowers against rugged Tasmanian landscapes. This heightened awareness of colour informs every aspect of my work, and it’s thrilling to think about the possibilities it holds.
My Style, My Process, My Inspirations
While my work is rooted in the landscape, I like to think of that term as expansive rather than limiting. Landscapes include everything from coastal seascapes and rolling hills to abstract renderings of rocks and skies. My painting style and technique - along with this broad subject matter - serve as the threads that tie my work together.
I’m especially drawn to bold brushstrokes, intriguing compositions, and that elusive element of "negative white space" that I keep mentioning but haven’t quite nailed yet. The texture is equally important in my process. I love working with palette knives, experimenting with mark-making, and incorporating materials like plaster or coarse sand to give my paintings a tactile, immersive quality.
But let me be honest - it’s not always a smooth ride. Composition remains one of my biggest challenges. I can feel when a piece has a strong composition; I know what it should look like. Yet, there are times when the result falls flat. And that’s okay - it’s part of the journey. For me, painting is a balance between precision and letting go, between structure and freedom.
I want my work to feel loose, expressive, and alive. While I’ve made progress toward this over the years, I know there’s still further to go. It’s a gradual process, one brushstroke at a time, and the challenge is part of what keeps me inspired.
Looking Ahead to 2025
What do I want from 2025? A continued and natural evolution of my work. I want to explore new aspects of the Tasmanian landscape - the mountains, the rugged coastlines, and the interplay of light and shadow. Light, in particular, fascinates me. Watching it transform land and water is magical, and I want to capture its fleeting, intangible beauty.
I’ve also been toying with the idea of giving white space more prominence in my paintings. It’s a concept that excites me but feels just out of reach. Perhaps 2025 will be the year I finally bring it to life.
I also want to refine my balance between painting and the business side of my practice. Right now, three days of painting and two days for business tasks or professional development feels right, leaving two days for rest and recharging. This rhythm helps me stay connected to my art while ensuring the other aspects of my career don’t fall by the wayside.
Another goal for 2025 is to make my exhibitions the best they can be. Great shows require time and care, and I’m committed to dedicating myself fully to the process.
The Push and Pull of Seascapes and Landscapes
This year, I tried stepping away from seascapes to explore more landscapes. It’s been a rewarding shift - Tasmania’s diverse environments are endlessly inspiring - but the coast always seems to call me back. There’s something about painting the ocean, the rocks, and the ever-changing skies that feels like home.
I know seascapes are a strength of mine and resonate with many collectors, but I want to broaden my identity as a landscape painter. It’s not about abandoning the coast; it’s about expanding my focus. After all, the colours and light of Tasmania - whether in the mountains or by the sea - are what truly inspire me.
The beauty of being an artist is that I don’t have to choose one or the other. I can - and will - paint both until I feel ready to explore something entirely new.
A Year of Clarity and Growth
Reflecting on the past year, I feel like I’ve gained clarity about the direction of my work and what I want to focus on. Letting go of things that no longer serve me has been a significant part of that process. At first, it was scary to say no to certain opportunities or commitments, but the space it created has been invaluable. It’s allowed me to welcome new ideas, people, and experiences into my life.
Time is precious, and I’m learning to protect it fiercely. This means being selective about social invitations and dedicating my energy to what matters most - my art and my loved ones.
The Ongoing Journey
Art is a journey, and I’m still on the path of discovery. Some days, everything falls into place, and I feel that spark of excitement when a piece truly comes alive. On other days, it’s harder to hit the mark. But that’s the beauty of it - every painting teaches me something new.
I’m excited to continue exploring new places, experimenting with colour and texture, and pushing the boundaries of what my work can be. 2025 feels full of possibility, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.
Through this blog, I hope to share more of this journey with you - the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. Thank you for being part of it. Here’s to another year of creativity, growth, and discovery.
Comments