Autumn Moonrise over Black Mountain, Canberra

This painting captures a golden autumn evening in a Canberra park—those last minutes before sunset when the light turns warm and everything glows. A small mob of kangaroos grazes in the foreground while the trees burn in yellows and oranges, throwing long, cool shadows across the grass.

In the distance, Black Mountain sits in silhouette with the Telstra Tower rising above it, and a bright full moon hangs in a deepening blue sky. I leaned into a modern impressionist approach—bold, textured brushwork and high colour contrast—to hold that fleeting “golden hour” feeling a little longer.

Painted with professional artist-grade acrylic on a thick-edge (gallery-wrapped) canvas, this is an original piece designed to make a small wall feel bright and alive.

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Hi, I’m Valentyna Crane — a contemporary impressionist landscape painter based in Canberra. I paint the feeling of a place: changing light, shifting atmosphere, and that sense of moving air that makes a landscape come alive.

My art journey began in Crimea, Ukraine, where I trained at the Samokish College of Fine Arts, and later completed a Master’s degree in Architecture and Landscape Design at V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University. Even earlier, my foundation was shaped by formal training at the Fine Arts School for children in Simferopol, where I studied drawing, composition, sculpture, decorative arts, and traditional painting techniques.

That classical background still supports my work today — strong structure and confident draftsmanship — but I paint with freedom: vibrant colour, luminous light, and expressive brushstrokes. My influences stretch from the Russian masters (like Repin) to the colour and light of Cézanne and Monet.

Now in Australia, I’m endlessly inspired by Canberra’s crisp air, open skies, and bush textures. I love creating paintings that feel uplifting and alive — pieces you’ll keep noticing and enjoying as you live with them.

My purpose is simple: to bring more light and beauty into the world, and to share that feeling with the people who connect with my work. If you have any questions, or you’d like to discuss a commission, I’d love to hear from you.