Cavorting: A Sealion Adventure

In late 2021 'Cavorting: A Sealion Adventure' was awarded a Special Recognition in the International Seascapes Exhibition held by Light, Space and Time Gallery.

Seals are like big, energetic puppies of the sea. Playful and engaging it is such a treat to swim alongside and with them. Upon taking to the cool waters of the Southern Ocean I was befriended by a group of seals eager to interact. I took many photos and video footage and this has enabled me to accurately capture these Australian Sealions in such natural poses. I love recreating scenes of the ocean from my first hand experiences. It allows me to really feel the subject and bring out the joy in a piece.
Created using a number of techniques this piece has details of realism with an overall abstract quality to it. I have used salt in the background which moves the paint colour around and also leaves a slight twinkle of a texture on the surface. From there layers of paint have been applied lightly and loosely to create the depth that you look into. The seals are rendered with a thicker application of acrylic paint. This makes them feel more opaque and 3 dimensional but also allows the seals to be the predominant feature in this highly layered and detailed piece.
The result is an entrancing piece which naturally draws the eye around to take in all the elements. Using a predominantly green and blue palette provides calming and soothing qualities. Turquoise, emerald and indigo shades all combine delicately and cohesively behind the golden beige glow of the seals. This artwork is engaging and dynamic whilst allowing for feelings of calm and joy.
'Cavorting' has been awarded a Special Recognition in the 11th Annual Seascapes Exhibition held by Light, Space and Time Gallery.
This artwork is commanding on a wall and has been created on a solid timber base, which has been boxed out to provide a natural 3cm edge. It is substantial and weighty. Please feel free to message me through Bluethumb if you require more information.

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I have always painted marine life as a passion and recently decided to focus my life around being an artist. Since then I have sold many pieces to collectors around Australia and overseas. I regularly exhibit my artworks as I love sharing both the art and the fascinating marine creatures I capture in the work. Having an Associate Diploma in Graphic Design informs my use of colours and compositions.

As a keen snorkeler and scuba diver many of my pieces are inspired by photos I’ve taken from underwater experiences. My love of the ocean and the undersea world is evident in all my works. Enthralled by unique marine environments, I use acrylic paints to capture water like translucency and to also build up bold, opaque layers. I love the contrast these two techniques and styles can create. My pieces range from larger scale pieces capturing scenes of reef life, quite loose in style and full of light and life, to smaller detailed pieces focusing on a realism approach.

It is always wonderful to see an artwork in your own space so I will often photoshop an image of an artwork into a prospective client’s space. Please feel free to contact me if you are considering a piece and would like to see it in your own décor.

I endeavour to make pieces that fill peoples’ homes with a sense of calm and beauty. The colours I use are reflective of the ocean and the life it holds. My pieces remind people of the ocean, holidays, summer, swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, boating, fishing and all the happiness these memories and activities bring. I seek to capture the beauty and tranquillity that lies beneath the water’s surface and to keep our oceans and coral reefs in the top of people’s minds.