Log Cabin

Step into the quiet stillness of the Australian bush with this study of a rustic, weather-worn farmhouse. Tucked deep within a grove of towering gum trees, the log cabin stands as a testament to country life and enduring character.

A delicate ribbon of woodsmoke meanders through the silver-green canopy, blending with the morning mist. This piece captures the interplay of light and shadow as it dances across the corrugated iron and timber, highlighting the textures of a building that has seen many seasons. It is a tribute to the humble beauty of the outback "settler" style—simple, sturdy, and perfectly at home in its environment.

The Influence:
This work is heavily influenced by the "Plein Air" tradition and the unique palette of the Australian landscape. I wanted to capture the specific way smoke drifts through the thin, drooping leaves of the eucalyptus—a sight and smell that is instantly recognizable to anyone who has spent time in the rural heartlands. It explores the feeling of "home" being a sanctuary within the vast, wild scrub

Follow

About the Artist: Jamie Congdon
The Story & The Drive
Born in Williamstown, Melbourne, Jamie Congdon was one of six children raised by his mother, Margaret, after his father was tragically lost at sea when Jamie was just an infant. Now a long-time resident of Queensland, Jamie has spent the last 35 years in Brisbane and Redcliffe, balancing his roles as a father of five, a taxi driver, and a deeply dedicated visual artist.

Jamie describes his creative drive as nearly obsessive. When he isn't behind the wheel, he is immersed in the Redcliffe Art Society Portrait Group or in his studio. His work is a "visual diary"—a candid, ongoing story of his own life, focusing on interiors and the quiet moments of his daily routine.

The Philosophy
Jamie’s practice is refreshingly direct. He avoids political, ethical, or moral agendas, believing instead that the canvas is a fresh page ready for a personal narrative. He operates under the ethos of Paul Cézanne: "True art is when the artist inserts his personality into his work." For Jamie, painting is about honesty, ambition, and the proactive pursuit of capturing one's own truth.

Education & Experience
Jamie’s creative energy is backed by high-level formal training and a massive body of work:

Master of Screen Production (Animation)

Bachelor of Fine Art – Queensland College of Art (QCA), South Bank

23 Solo Exhibitions hosted throughout his career

4-time RADF Grant recipient

3-time participant in the prestigious '15 Artists' annual exhibition

Jamie has exhibited extensively across regional galleries, including Redcliffe, Caboolture, Strathpine, and Rockhampton.

Recent Achievements & Awards
Jamie is a frequent finalist and winner in some of Australia’s most respected art prizes:

2025 – Winner, Moreton Bay Outdoor Art Prize

2024 – Winner, Exhibition of Excellence

2023 – Winner, Moreton Bay Art Prize

2022 – Winner (Still Life) & 2nd Overall, Exhibition of Excellence

2022 – Finalist, Brisbane Portrait Prize (My Flatmate)

2022 – Finalist, Salon Des Refusés (Choices, Choices)

2021 – Semi-Finalist, Doug Moran National Portrait Prize

2021 – Finalist, Salon Des Refusés (Brisbane Portrait Prize)

2021 – 1st in Still Life & 3rd Overall, Exhibition of Excellence

2020 – Finalist, Brisbane Portrait Prize

2018 – Finalist, Lyn McCrea Memorial Drawing Prize

2016 – Semi-Finalist, Doug Moran National Portrait Prize