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.

Image with a background of banksia seedpod and flower in black and white with a text square saying A love for recreating nature and sharing skills with Lynda Young Artist Profile with Art Trails Tasmania

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.

Image shows Russell McKane painting at his easel in the forest for his Artist Profile with Art Trails Tasmania story

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.

Image shows silver and blue enamel circles pendant by Russell McKane for his Artist Profile with Art Trails Tasmania story
Image shows Russell McKane teaching silver smithing for his Artist Profile with Art Trails Tasmania story
Entries are open for the 2023 Art Trails Tasmania Art Exhibition

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.

Image shows Russell McKane teaching silver smithing for his Artist Profile with Art Trails Tasmania story
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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.

Image shows paintings by Russell McKane for his Artist Profile with Art Trails Tasmania story

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.

Image shows Russell McKane painting at his easel for his Artist Profile with Art Trails Tasmania story

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Join the growing, supportive artists community today and have your Artist story told here.

Click here to learn more in our Members’ Hub.

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.

Read Evelyn’s Artist Profile here.

Evelyn Antonysen

Watercolour & Mixed Media Artist

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.
Maria Oakley

Mixed Media Artist

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.

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Greg Dennis

Spreyton Picture Framing

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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.