After The Fire

“After the Fire” reflects the quiet resilience of the Australian landscape following bushfire. In the aftermath of destruction, the land begins its slow and determined process of renewal. Blackened trunks and scorched earth remain as evidence of loss, yet among them new life emerges.
In this painting, the warm, luminous colours of the bush suggest both the intensity of fire and the returning light that follows it. Grass trees and undergrowth push through the ash, their bright forms standing in contrast to the darker skeletal branches around them. The rhythm of the trees and the vibrant palette aim to capture the fragile balance between devastation and regeneration.
Rather than focusing on the violence of the fire itself, the work celebrates the remarkable capacity of the Australian bush to recover. “After the Fire” is a meditation on endurance, renewal, and the quiet persistence of life within the landscape.

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I have been resident in Queensland since arriving here in 1986 and became a citizen in 1988. Before leaving London I worked in fashion, textile design and book illustration. I travel as far and as wide as time and finances allow. My interests other than art are music, reading, theatre and film. I work from life and may use photography as an aid.
I attended St. Martin's School Of Art in London (now amalgamated with Central School Of Art and called Central St. Martin's) for 4 years graduating with a B.A. in 1971. The first year was "Foundation Year" after which students re-applied for acceptance into the three year degree course. The training was intense and focused on drawing in all categories - life, structural, architectural, still life etc. with some very critical academics and artists as instructors. Before graduating I was already illustrating books for Oxford University Press and working on fabric print design for Veronica Marsh in London who worked with Sandra Rhodes and Vivienne Westwood amongst others.
Since retiring from full time self employment I have concentrated on my art with no financial constraints which means absolute freedom of creativity. My practise revolves around the natural world including humans and animals. I work in oil and watercolour from life and enter awards when and where I can some of which are listed below.

Doyles Art Award Finalist 2026 "Highly Commended"
Lethbridge Smalls Awards Finalist
Yeppoon Art Awards Winner
Royal Queensland Art Awards Finalist
Australian Artists Awards 2025 Finalist "Highly Commended"
Stanthorpe Art Award 2024 Finalist
Website: carolforbescroad.com