Portraiture
Waiting For Phở
Watercolour on 20 x 16 inch panel
Finalist in Kennedy Art Prize (2024)
“Waiting for Phở” captures a moment of quiet anticipation at a family-run phở restaurant in Hoi An, Vietnam. A young expatriate girl, perfectly integrated into her adopted home, orders her meal in a regional dialect, reflecting her connection to the place. The restaurant, run by the same family for generations, represents tradition and continuity, with a pot that has been used for years to create a broth full of dedication. The fluidity of watercolor echoes the transient nature of expatriate life, where experiences blend into a tapestry of belonging and nostalgia. This piece celebrates the subtle beauty of small moments that define our connection to a place and the harmonious blend of past and present.
He’d Like To Come And Meet Us But He Thinks He’d Blow Our Minds
Watercolour on 6 x 6 inch panel.
Finalist in Revival Emerging Artist Prize (2023) and Lethbridge 20000 (2024)
This work captures the tension between desire and fear. The subject is partially veiled in shadows, poised on the brink of revelation and the potential for transformative encounters. The artwork invites viewers to contemplate the allure and intimidation of interpersonal connection.
A Mother’s Mark
Watercolour on 12 x 16 inch panel
This piece explores the intersection of motherhood and self-expression. The young mother’s gaze reveals the quiet strength and persistence inherent in nursing her daughter. Her tattoos, inked into her skin and transcending her form, are visual stories of her spiritual journey, traditions, ambitions, experience and resilience, reflecting both her past life in Patagonia, and the family and home she has created in North Queensland. In this portrait, the act of breastfeeding becomes symbolic of both personal sacrifice and profound connection, inviting viewers to reflect on the complex layers of identity that shape our roles as parents and individuals.
In The Moss
Watercolour on panel, 11 x 14 inches
This artwork explores the delicate relationship between the human spirit and the natural world. It reflects themes of tranquility, connection, and the quiet beauty found in moments of stillness.
Winner of Murky Waters Studio 'Golden Paintbrush' (Best in Show) 2023
Izzy Bee
Watercolour on panel, 12 x 16 inches
A celebration of Izzy Bee’s role as both a wildlife carer and an inspiring global figure, this portrait highlights her dedication to koala conservation. The eucalyptus crown signifies her intimate connection to the creatures she works with, while her presence serves as a beacon for the next generation of environmental advocates and wildlife warriors.
Let Me Entertain You, Please
Oil on canvas, 24 x 18 inches
Anthony Craig is a young entertainer on the brink of his dreams. Clad in a humble clown costume, with makeup that tells a story of both struggle and ambition, he reminds us of the beauty in perseverance and the poignant moments that define the pursuit of one’s dreams. Worth his weight in gold, but paid pennies for piecemeal performing arts opportunities, he waits patiently in the wings for his next chance to entertain you. Please.
Once Held, Forever Felt
Watercolour on clayboard, 5 x 7 inches
A fleeting moment of quiet reflection. Bathed in the warmth of sunlight, a young boy stands at the beach, his hands gently held together as shadows dance on his skin. The golden tones of the watercolor evoke a sense of nostalgia and tenderness, symbolizing the lasting impact of memories and experiences. In this contemplative moment, the painting speaks to the deep, often unspoken connections that stay with us, long after they’ve passed.
Salty Sea Dog
Watercolour on panel, 5 x 7 inches
With the rugged intensity of a seasoned sailor, he carries the essence of a life shaped by the salt and wind, a living testament to the passage of time and the stories that remain with us, written in the lines of our faces.
30 Faces in 30 Days
Watercolour on prepared canvas panels, 4 x 6 inches (each)
30 portraits completed in (just over) 30 days, as part of Sktchy's twice yearly global watercolour challenge.