Meet the Instagram Sensation Russell McKane
As a painter of trees, Tasmania is a perfect fit for my Art.
I paint on location so I get the benefit of working in this magnificent environment.
Currently, I am working in the rainforests of Liffey and among the cider gums on the central plateau.
Each work is a distillation of light and time many hours and weeks, so my locations become intimate places of peace.
Celebrating 50 Years of Painting
I am celebrating 50 plus years of painting. I started as a thirteen-year-old with a $2 oil paint set and a kitchen knife. I have always loved landscape and while a plein air painter, over the years I have developed a unique painting style not normally associated with painting on location.
A Painter, A Silversmith, A Photographer
While my principal focus is on my painting practice, I am also a trained silversmith and photographer.
I am often called the Renaissance man by those who know me.
These diverse skills were learnt at Art College and have constantly provided a constant interface between ideas and practice.
As if this was not enough I am also a writer and performance poet.
Teaching Silversmithing
I have the privilege of teaching silversmithing workshops in Poatina’s Arts Studio complex.
We, Poatina Arts, have a well-fitted studio capable of teaching up to eight people in silversmithing.
I am working on extending these workshops over the next few years.
Get your entry in today for this year's Art Trails Tasmania Art Exhibition
Being Part of a Vibrant Arts Community
Poatina, where I live has a vibrant Arts Community.
Here I am involved in helping run our community art gallery – The Poatina Tree Gallery.
We also run an active artists-in-residence program which includes a Tasmania Arts residency.
These bring life to the town and wider community. As an experienced artist, I am often involved in artist mentoring and encouraging artists, sometimes formally but often informally.
Join our growing members community today to share your Artist Profile story.
The Best Cure for Creative Blocks
Like all artists, the blank canvas, lack of ideas, and not feeling the creative urge are all well-known blocks to creating.
But I have learned that the best cure is to do.
Hop in the car, get set up, get out the paints, make a mark, any mark.
Sit at the silver bench, and play with the accumulated inspiration bits and bobs you’ve collected.
Take your camera and go for a walk. The secret is to be active. Do and inspiration will show up.
About the Artist
I am passionate about painting the Australian and in particular trees.
My paintings of trees are unique in the Australian art scene, in technique, vision, and approach to the subject matter.
I have spent over 40 years painting on location mastering the art of distilling light, distilling form, and distilling time into unique quality artworks.
Explore Russell’s website, watch his videos and explore his work. Then make sure you follow Russell on Facebook and Instagram.
Read Another Artist Profile…
How Amanda Berryman Creates Healing Through Art and Nature
Finding Connection Through Art What brings me the greatest joy in my art is the deep sense of presence and connection it creates. When I paint, my mind quietens, my body relaxes, and I feel anchored in the moment. Each creative session begins with meditation or...
Peter Ellyard Crafts Living Art from Steel, Glass and Light
Transforming the Raw into Art Making art gives me the rare chance to turn raw, ordinary materials into something that feels alive. I love the moment when steel stops being “just steel” and starts to suggest movement, character, or a story. Stained glass adds another...
Meet Colourist Robyn Malcolm
A Focus on Colour and Expression I am primarily a colourist. Drawing and the application of colour are indistinguishable parts of my practice, not distinct acts. While I respond to the direct evidence of my senses, I’m more interested in expressing mood and emotion...
Read What Our Members Say About Belonging
Join the growing, supportive artists community today and have your Artist story told here.
Belinda is doing a great job creating a professional looking artist hub online. Check out the profile I posted recently to see how well she does them. To all my artist friends let’s help make this THE go to place to discover local artists.
You won’t regret joining Art Trails Tasmania . It’s a welcoming community for creatives at any career stage.Becoming an Art Trails Tasmania member wasn’t a hard decision for me to make as it’s such a wealth of knowledge and support.Being member provides a quality way to showcase your creative endeavours and it’s quickly growing in reach.
We operate a home based picture framing business and recently joined Art Trails Tasmania as a means to giving us exposure to the wider artist community. We have almost immediately seen increase in activity thru our online sites, which I am certain will lead to more opportunities to grow our business.
Artist Profile Stories
I want there to be more arts and crafts in our world, in our communities and in our own lives. Hopefully you’ve found this blog post inspiring and interesting.
So I’m creating, with your help, Art Trails Tasmania, allowing all of us who feel this love to create more of it.
And the Art Trails Tasmania blog is a key part of making this happen, telling the stories of members. It’s about what they have happening with workshops and classes, exhibitions, open studio trails, where to find their outlets, markets, fairs and festivals so you can shop their creations as well as their art and craft retreats.
Also being shared are the supporters of our artists, the galleries, shops, cafes, art societies and groups, places to stay and artist in residencies.
