Skip to content
Portfolio

Portfolio

“Creativity comes from trust. Trust your instincts” – Rita Mae Brown

As a pastel and charcoal artist, I immerse myself in the primal act of creating, using music to help me tap into the heart of my subject. Contrasting colours and tones feature heavily in my work. My portraits are bold, expressive and empowering while my landscapes are moody and uplifting.

My portfolio of portraits, landscapes, wildlife and street chalk can be viewed below.

  • Portraits
  • Wildlife
  • Landscapes
  • Street Chalk
Ayesha Norrie “Eash”

Ayesha Norrie “Eash”

This portrait honours Ayesha Norrie "Eash", Brisbane Roar's captain, who exemplifies the recent surge in women's soccer. A chance encounter at the young age of 8, ignited Eash's passion for the game. Now, as a leader on and off the field, she strives to inspire the next generation to reach their full potential and be the best role models they can be. The artwork uses vibrant pastels and gold leaf with a galactic background, symbolising the vast potential in women's sports and the limitless possibilities that await young players. Seven hexagons nod to both the soccer ball pattern and Eash's player number, a subtle tribute to her dedication and the countless hours she has poured into her sport. Pastels and Gold Leaf. 2024

Kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscope

This piece invites us to consider the boundless potential of the human spirit. It is a visual representation of the peace that lies within, waiting to be discovered amidst the chaos of the external world. The artwork is a celebration of the quiet power of stillness and the vibrant beauty of life’s emotional tapestry. A kaleidoscope of colour, of emotion and boundless opportunity. Pastels and Gold Leaf. 2024

The Butterfly Effect

The Butterfly Effect

I am fascinated by the concept of the butterfly effect and its implications on our world. The butterfly effect refers to the idea that small and seemingly insignificant events can have a far-reaching impact on the course of history. Just as a butterfly flapping its wings in one part of the world can potentially cause a hurricane in another, our individual actions and choices can have a profound effect on the world around us. Through my art, I aim to explore the intricate interconnectedness of our world and the ripple effects of our actions.This piece shows a sense of chaos and order; fragility and resilience; and beauty and destruction. Reflect on the impact of your actions and choices. Recognise the power that even the smallest gestures can have in shaping our world. By embracing the butterfly effect and embracing our interconnectedness, we can work together to create a more harmonious and sustainable future for all. 2023 Pastels

Spectrum of Colour

Spectrum of Colour

Some people view life as black and white, while others see, and live inside the full spectrum of colours. Life was never meant to be simple. It’s intertwined with an array of laws, beliefs, morals, and personalities sending you into a tailspin. Take a moment to stop and reflect.<p/> We are all individuals and I empower each of you to find your authentic self in this world. To express yourself in whatever way makes you feel whole and happy.<p/> I have taken all the colours of the rainbow - which represent each part of our unique personalities; and mashed it together to create a piece of wonder, beauty and a simply celebration to ourselves.<p/> Pastels 2023

The Spirit of the Undefined

The Spirit of the Undefined
Secrecy

Secrecy

Eyes are windows to the soul. However, you can not clearly see unless you look into your own heart - understand it and learn to love it. It is only then, you will be set free to find your true soul.
 
Charcoal and pastels on Pastelmat paper. A4
2022

I Dream In Colour

I Dream In Colour

Dream-like and mysterious, this expressive piece grabs you and keeps you mesmerised. Familiar, yet unfamiliar haunting blue eyes stare back at you. Thought provoking and real. She’s strong and sensual, inspiring confidence and hope. While the edges blur into a vibrant kaleidoscope of colours, keeping her identity from you in your semi-conscious state. It’s so easy to lose yourself in the deep wells of her eyes. This colourful, semi-abstract portrait was created in response to the isolating reality of the global pandemic. ‘I Dream in Colour’ represents my inspiration towards finding beauty and hope in every day.   Pastels 2020 ORIGINAL ARTWORK SOLD 2023 Available in a postcard pack or print

Lost

Lost
Glen and Steve

Glen and Steve

A commissioned artwork titled "Glen and Steve". CarbOthello pastel pencils, Faber-castell pitt pastel pencils, Rembrandt soft pastels on Pastelmat paper. 2022

Fading Away

Fading Away

Life is tough but beautiful.
Life is stressful but calm.
Life is hard but quiet.
Life is lonely but full of love.
We have all faced challenges in our lives. The global pandemic is just one of them. It has been a tough couple of years. Raising kids in a pandemic while trying to balance life, mental well-being, work and keeping us alive. It is easy to feel like you are fading away into the nothingness. Be kind to each other. We are all facing this together.
2021 CarbOthello pastel pencils, Rembrandt soft pastels on Pastelmat paper.

Reflections of Anticipation

Reflections of Anticipation

When I think about celebration it encompasses a night out on the town. The suspense of the lead-up as excitement fills the air. Envisaging what awaits. Getting dolled up and feeling on top of the world. “Paint the Town” was taken symbolically and literally. The focal point of this piece showcases a gigantic woman towering upon her city. The city is represented in grey tones to highlight how they are typically seen as concrete jungles, yet she is vivid and bold in colour. Speckles of this colour represent how the city is reflective of self and she is reflected in the city. In her anticipation, she is literally on top of her world, applying her war paint of the night while painting the town. She has the light in her eye and the street at her feet. She looks to the now and the wonder of what comes next.   Pastels 2021   WINNER: Quota Jimboomba Inc. Art Show 2022  - Category B Modern Art

As Simple As a Bubble

As Simple As a Bubble

As Simple as a Bubble was inspired by my 5-year-old son during the global pandemic. As the world was crashing down around us, I was captured by the pure joy of something so simple as bubbles. The colourful palette they created and the way they moved and bounced around in the wind brought a feeling of freedom.

The array of colours, innocence and expressive nature of this piece reminds you to pause and take in life. Put your worries in a bubble and just watch them float away. Enjoy the simple things and be present in the moment. It is those moments that matter the most.

Winner: People's Choice Award, Jimboomba Art Show 2021

Acrylic and Pastels 2021

Available as postcard pack.

Pressures of Everyday

Pressures of Everyday
Embrace

Embrace
Reflection Of Colour

Reflection Of Colour

Humans are complex beings who struggle to reconcile their conflicting beliefs, desires, attitudes, and feelings. ‘Reflection of Colour’ explores these ideas, in colours and contrast. Using colour symbolically, this contemplative portrait highlights our inner duplicity using opposing colours spectrum. Yet we see tendrils of darkness within in the light, too. The vivid skin tone speaks to our desire for acceptance, without judgement or ridicule. Like many of us, this woman is suppressing a part of herself, unable to turn and embrace the light. Pastels 2020

Let There Be Light

Let There Be Light

Inspired by the resilience and courage of my children as they navigate the effects of the pandemic on their lives, ‘Let there be light’ captures their childlike innocence and optimism. Warm light illuminates the girl’s face as she stares, mesmerised by the bright light within her grasp. And even as she stands in the darkness amid the gentle rain, we find glimpses of hope in the glistening droplets as they fall around her. It makes me wonder at the courage and determination needed to stand within the darkness and embrace the light. What would that light symbolise for you? Pastels 2020

Noah (commission)

Noah (commission)
Niece (commission)

Niece (commission)
Me drawing me

Me drawing me
Jacob (commission)

Jacob (commission)
Father and son (commission)

Father and son (commission)
Cheeky (commission)

Cheeky (commission)
Ava (commission)

Ava (commission)
Eyes Never Lie

Eyes Never Lie

Stooped low, almost in a crawl. His golden glare pins you to your spot. His brow furrows. Listening. What does this charcoal and pastel portrait tell you about this boy? Why is he hiding in the shadows? What story is hiding within his gaze? By combining light, contrast, and unusual colour choice, I create discordant emotions and exaggerate or change the subtext within this drawing. The golden gaze grabs the viewers’ focus and highlights the boy’s curiosity. Or is it anguish? Or perhaps it hints at something dangerous or sinister? What does this inspire in you? Concern and empathy? Trepidation? ‘Eyes Never Lie’ is my way of inspiring viewers to delve deeper and understand what influences their judgments of those around them. Charcoal 2019

The Greater Your Storm, The Brighter Your Rainbow.

The Greater Your Storm, The Brighter Your Rainbow.

Sometimes in our lives we need to find the courage to stand up for ourselves. To express our anger, frustrations and share our burdens. And when we do, good things happen. We connect. We heal. We inspire change. We grow. This raw and intense pastel colour drawing is about giving you permission to express yourself. To realise your inner power and discover that even in the darkness you’ll find rainbows. Take back your power, with a vivid, tenacious piece of art that inspires you reclaim your voice. Pastels 2020 Purchase the original here. 

Always with you (commission)

Always with you (commission)

Commissioned piece Pastels 2021

Jewel of the Forest

Jewel of the Forest

Concept design for the Yarram Chalk Art Festival 2024. See the final piece here. 

You left a pawprint on our hearts

You left a pawprint on our hearts

Pastels 2023

Australian Cattle Dog (commission)

Australian Cattle Dog (commission)
Uganda Mountain Gorilla

Uganda Mountain Gorilla

It is estimated there are 1063* mountain gorillas left in the world. Take a minute and let that sink in. 1063 left in the world!

Mountain gorillas only live in the dense vegetation of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and along the dormant volcanic Virunga mountain range.

Take home your own Uganda Mountain Gorilla and I will donate $35 from this sale to Virunga National Park. BUY NOW. 

Virunga National Park.is a UNESCO World Heritage Site internationally recognized for its exceptional wildlife and habitats. Virunga National Park’s headquarters at Rumangabo is home to the Senkwekwe Centre, the world’s only facility for orphaned mountain gorillas. With expert staff who provide daily care for the orphans, who were each separated from their family due to the impact of poaching, the Senkwekwe Centre is a unique sanctuary offering the gorillas the chance to lead happy and secure lives in their forested enclosure.

Golden Retriever – Teddy (commission)

Golden Retriever – Teddy (commission)
Australian Kelpie (commission)

Australian Kelpie (commission)
Peacock

Peacock
Nocturnal Owl

Nocturnal Owl
Pug Dog – Lola (commission)

Pug Dog – Lola (commission)
Green-tree-frog

Green-tree-frog
Until we meet again (commission)

Until we meet again (commission)
Tranquility Rising

Tranquility Rising

In many cultures, turtles are symbolic, representing patience, wisdom, endurance, and good luck. This piece is a reminder to absorb the beauty and humility of the wildlife around us, and to do more to protect these fragile ecosystems. Or they may be lost to us forever Pastels 2018

Over the mountain

Over the mountain
Chateau de Chenonceau (commission)

Chateau de Chenonceau (commission)
Another Day Gone

Another Day Gone

As a regional Australian artist, I’m surrounded by bush and farmland, but I feel an affinity with water. I’m drawn to it. It calms me, entices me, and calls to me like a siren. When recreating this landscape, I felt immersed in the softness of the pastels. Layering and blending colours to recreate the reflection of light on the surface in contrast to the darkness beneath. This darkness alludes to something bigger than me. A hidden ecosystem deep beneath the surface, or the pain or doubt I feel within me. But the light behind the clouds shows me there’s hope. For me, for our planet. Tomorrow is a new day, full of light and promise, and in this piece, we see the darkness doesn’t last forever. Pastels 2019

Jewel of the Forest

Jewel of the Forest

People's Choice Award winner at the 2024 Yarram Chalk Art Festival.

Pink Flamingo

Pink Flamingo
Chesire Cat

Chesire Cat
Gecko

Gecko
A Bug’s Life

A Bug’s Life
MENU