I recently completed a painting inspired by a trip to the Flinders Ranges and Arkaroola almost a year ago. After a long two-day drive, we arrived at Mt Little Station just before dusk. As we set up camp, I snapped a quick photo of the sun setting behind one of the farmhouses. Although the photo wasn’t perfect, it captured a special memory that I wanted to bring to life in this painting.

The artwork is 35 by 45 cm on linen board. I began by sketching the main shapes with burnt umber, followed by a coloured underpainting focusing on subdued middle tones. I chose a portrait orientation to emphasize the sky, the central element of the scene. However, I soon realized that the sky in the original photo was almost empty, so I decided to add more clouds for drama and interest. 
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As I painted, I used natural pigments and Oleogel to add texture to the ground, finishing the piece with a palette knife. The key takeaway from this work is that light’s colour and direction influence everything in a landscape.

I am excited to announce that my artwork has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious Doyles Art Awards, in the figurative section! 

The painting that earned this recognition addresses the increasing problem of homelessness, an issue that affects countless individuals and communities. Through this piece, I aim to shed light on the struggles and resilience of those experiencing homelessness.

Inspiration for this painting came from observing the everyday lives of people living on the streets. Each person has a story, a past filled with hopes, dreams, and circumstances that led them to where they are now. By capturing their reality in my art, I hope to evoke empathy and encourage a deeper understanding of their plight.
Homelessness is not just a statistic; it's a human experience. My painting aims to portray the dignity, strength, and humanity of those who often go unseen and unheard. 

Exhibition starts on the 27th June 2024 until 7th July 2024.
Information about the exhibition can be found on The Doyles Award website
https://thedoylesaward.com.au

During my recent trip to Mt Arapiles in Victoria, I was struck by the stunning beauty and dramatic landscapes that this region offers. Inspired by the breathtaking views, I decided to start a new painting en plein air, right on location. The painting, titled "Sunset on Mt Arapiles," reflects the warm, golden hues of the setting sun as it casts a magical glow over the western side of this rugged mountain and surrounding landscape.
Working en plein air allows me to capture the immediate essence and atmosphere of the scene. The fresh air, natural light, and ever-changing conditions present both challenges and opportunities. For this piece, I began by setting up my easel and quickly sketching the composition to capture the fleeting light. The initial layers of paint laid down on site provided a strong foundation and authentic colour palette.
Back in the studio, I refined the painting, adding details and enhancing the depth and texture. This blend of on-location spontaneity and studio precision brings a dynamic quality to the work, marrying the immediacy of plein air with the contemplative process of studio painting.
Painting en plein air is a deeply rewarding experience that enhances my connection to the landscape. It allows me to translate the raw beauty of nature onto canvas in a way that studio work alone cannot achieve. I invite you to explore "Sunset on Mt Arapiles" and see how this captivating landscape has inspired my artistic journey

There are two primary techniques for painting with oils: indirect and direct. Each technique has multiple variations. I use the indirect method for most of my paintings, with the exception of rapid drawings and plein air studies.

As evidenced by one of my most recent commissions from last year, I believe this is the best technique to employ for large, intricate paintings. This artwork depicted a rock structure located in Victoria's Arapiles. It is a well-liked location for rock climbing, drawing visitors from all over the world.

The particular rock depicted in the painting has since closed, making climbing on it prohibited. And for that reason, the individuals who currently own it get great pleasure in this picture because it brings back memories of pleasant and exciting times.