Himalayan Cedar Forest at the National Arboretum Canberra

Golden late-afternoon light moves through Forest 11, the Himalayan cedar forest at the National Arboretum Canberra. I painted this large square landscape to capture the feeling of walking beneath those tall dark cedars as the path curves downhill and the ground turns warm gold.

A small kangaroo appears quietly in the shadows, giving the scene a distinctly Canberra presence without making the work literal or sentimental. The contrast of deep blue-green shade, golden light and open sky gives the painting both drama and calm, making it a strong statement piece for a living room, dining room or entry.

This work is part of my Boundless Harmony of the Arboretum series. The Himalayan cedar forest includes trees first planted between 1917 and 1930, which gives the place its rare mature atmosphere. Acrylic on canvas, 122 × 122 cm, ready to hang, signed, and supplied with a certificate of authenticity.

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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.