Study of Light:

the Creek at Wappa Falls

The life of a traveling artist can be quite challenging, as it involves constantly moving in search of inspiration and striving to express everything that can be captured in a lifetime of painting. Recently, I made a decision to relocate to the Sunshine Coast with my fiancé, aiming to reconnect with nature and reignite my passion for painting. My brief time in the bustling city of Sydney was fantastic and I had some great achievements and future opportunities, but was marked by the overwhelming pressure to create commercially viable work, which often put added stress onto my creativity.

In my opinion, art is a true reflection of the soul and should be created in a unique and personal space. When it becomes a necessity for financial survival, it can result in a contrived, "cookie-cutter" approach. You can often sense when an artist is creating out of economic drive as their work tends to lose the essence of authentic artistic expression. Now that I’m away from the big city, getting the chance to explore the beauty and history of the Queensland countryside, It feels great to explore my artistic palette without any limitations.

One of my favorite places to paint is the Creek near my fiancé’s parents house at Wappa Falls. Spending a couple afternoons there provided me with a great subject, and a study of light. Standing by the creek, I was captivated by how sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting shimmering reflections on the water. This enchanting play of light reminds me of the works of Impressionist masters like Claude Monet or Alfred Sisley, who beautifully captured the essence of light in their paintings.

I felt free to explore an impressionistic style that celebrates spontaneity and light. I focused on bold brushstrokes and naturalistic colors, allowing the scene to come alive on my canvas. In this tranquil setting, I painted for the joy of it. I’m excited to dive deeper into my artistic exploration, embracing the beauty of light and nature in the Sunshine Coast!

Creek at Wappa Falls, Oil on Linen, 14” x 22”