Oil Pastels
Making the Invisible Visible
Oil pastel and acrylic on canvas
Size: 46cm x 61 cm x 3cm
Artist Statement:
This artwork seeks to shine a light on what the viewer cannot see in a hope to make the invisible, visible.
The sunflower, which has been depicted throughout history by many artists, is also the international sign for invisible disability. The symbolism assists with raising the awareness for those that live with and manage an invisible disability.
My hope is this still life painting will help those like me feel seen whilst helping to raise public awareness and education of invisible disabilities.
This artwork was selected as a finalist in the 2025 Doyles Art Award - Still Life category.
Hidden in Plain Sight
Oil pastel on oil paper
Size: 14.8cm x 21cm
Artist Statement:
This painting explores the social issues surrounding hidden disabilities, represented by the sunflowers and gender equality, represented by the female nude.
Having experienced both of these barriers in being seen or made to feel small, I hope this painting will inspire conversations that will promote equality and inclusion for everyone.
Coastal Blues
Coastal Pause
Coastal Curves
Coastal Lines
Coastal Light
Coastal Series
Oil pastel on oil paper
Size: 21cm x 14.8cm
Artist Statement:
This series was inspired by the soft coastal greys and the view outside my studio window each day during my residency at the Lighthouse Arts in Newcastle on Awabakal Country.
Quiet Contemplations
Oil pastel on canvas
Size: 35cm x 35cm x 5cm
Artist Statement:
This piece was inspired by the objects around us that invite moments of solace and quiet contemplations. I fell in love with the pattern of this chair and found myself lost in the joy of capturing its grandeur and warmth.
Quiet Contemplations won 1st Prize in the Pastels Category of the 2023 Artist Society of Canberra’s annual Spring Exhibition. This artwork has been sold.
Pineapple Grass
Oil pastel on artist board
Size: 64cm x 49cm x 4cm
Artist Statement:
Astelia alpina var. alpina can only be found in the alpine and subalpine areas of Lutruwita-Tasmania. Its common name, pineapple grass, stems from the leaves resembling those of a pineapple. Upon seeing it for the first time, I was naturally amused that this grass with a tropical name survives in sub-zero conditions.
This painting also includes other Tasmanian alpine endemic species. They are the yellow orites, alpine yellow gum, and the snow peppermint. This particular view overlooking the pineapple grass, and the source of inspiration for this painting, is located within the UNESCO World Heritage listed Mt Field National Park on the Moorland Mosaic trail.
Photo taken by Hilary Wardhaugh
Pencil Pine
Oil pastel on artist board
Size: 35cm x 35cm x 5cm
Artist Statement:
During a recent art residency, I studied the gentle giants and species of trees endemic to Lutruwita -Tasmania. This is an exposed root system of a very rare Gondwanan species of tree called the Pencil Pine. They exist only in Tasmania’s sub-alpine areas and can be found around water as they are intolerant to extreme heat and fires. With its 1,000 years of growth and twisted limbs, I can’t help but wonder what this tree has seen, endured and survived.
Pencil Pine won 3rd Prize in the Pastels Category of the 2023 Artist Society of Canberra’s annual Spring Exhibition.
Hamilton Hills
Orange Banksia
Knickers on the Line
INCOGNITO Art Show
Oil pastel on oil paper
Size: 21cm x 14.8cm
With this show, all proceeds went to support artists with disabilities at Studio A and Little Orange at Campbelltown Arts Centre.
These artworks have been sold.
Switch Off
Oil pastel on oil paper
Size: 21cm x 14.8cm
Artist Statement:
With life moving faster and technology filling and feeding our quiet moments, have we lost the ability to really switch off?
This artwork was exhibited at the Belconnen Arts Centre, Canberra in 2023 as part of the Transformation Exhibition.