West of Outback Highway

Statement piece: This painting is an abstract interpretation of the arid terrain west of the Outback Highway in South Australia—a region marked by its dryness, sparse vegetation, and vast, sunburnt earth. Through layered textures and a palette of ochres, whites, and dark greys, I aim to evoke the stark beauty and quiet resilience of this landscape.

The composition is intentionally abstract, inviting viewers to engage with the land not just visually, but emotionally and symbolically. The left side suggests the open plains—bleached and expansive—with lighter forms that represent shallow dams or ancient water bodies. These subtle shapes hint at rare rainfall and human attempts to harness water in a harsh environment, offering a quiet contrast to the surrounding dryness.

On the right side, darker tones and more pronounced brush strokes introduce a sense of depth and complexity. This area reflects the scars and stories embedded in the land—perhaps a dried watercourse, a patch of scorched earth, or a geological shift. It anchors the viewer’s gaze and suggests a journey through time and terrain.

This artwork is a large statement piece that will make the viewer reflect on the Australian outback landscape.

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“Immersing myself in the Australian landscape by going for long walks is the best kind of inspiration. I paint from memories and feelings, always allowing an energy and a myriad of unexpected possibilities to present themselves in the process. It’s important to let layers of paint obscure and reveal simultaneously, enhancing colours and shapes.”

Emma loves travelling throughout Australia and finds inspiration in the diverse colours and textures of the land: the vibrant reds and ochres of the outback, the majestic rocky escarpments of the Australian Alps, coastal cliffs along the stunning coastline of Australia and the seasonal, often joyful but sometimes dark-grey colours of Victoria and Tasmania.
Emma often sees something a little ‘different’ in vistas such as rock-faces, cliffs and coastal landscapes, resulting in paintings that focus on colour, an interpretation within the landscapes rather than real-life accuracy. There is always that ‘something’ that triggers a painting. It can be a curve, a rock or a dam. The process of building up layers and scraping back allows the painting to reveal itself and create a sense of place; inviting viewers to place themselves in the landscape, for their imagination to wander and create their own story.
Emma's paintings have been sold to collectors all over Australia as well as to collectors in the UK and Europe.

Emma was born in the Netherlands, migrating to Australia 25 years ago after marrying her Australian husband. The signatures on the artwork are the initials GON, the first letters of her Dutch maiden name: Germa Oude Nijeweme.