Painting with Passion
I love creating beautiful images, especially portraits and botanicals.
Vibrant colours and intricate details are my favourite. Watching a painting come to life as I add those final touches is truly magical.
Art helps me live in the moment, and I often lose track of time when I’m in my creative flow.
Living on the East Coast of Tasmania is a blessing. The beaches, wildlife, countryside, and mountains are stunning.
The peaceful environment contrasts with the hectic pace of life, providing the perfect backdrop for creativity.
Returning The First Love, Painting
I’ve always been artistic, even in school, but a troubled upbringing and financial constraints pushed me towards getting a job instead of pursuing art school.
I emigrated to Australia in 1992 and started a graphic design business. After more than 25 years, I finally returned to my first love, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have rediscovered my passion for painting.
From Watercolour Painting to Oil Painting
I began with watercolours because they’re clean and space-efficient.
My daughter encouraged me to try oils, which I was initially hesitant about. Now, I absolutely adore them.
The depth and texture I can create with oils have opened up new possibilities, and I’ve started experimenting with impressionist styles.
Exhibiting and Painting
I have some of my oil paintings in Jane Seychell’s gallery in St Helens, and I’m part of an online Facebook Auction Group. It’s wonderful to receive encouragement and feedback from other artists.
A Garage Art Studio
My studio is in my garage, which I’ve outfitted with shelving, carpets, and hanging space.
This dedicated space allows me to immerse myself in my art without having to pack up at the end of the day.
Exploring Tasmania
While I don’t usually sketch on location, I’ve been on photo shoots with my daughter around Tasmania.
We’d get up before sunrise in the summer to capture beautiful morning light.
Inspiring Women and Painting
Women inspire me, often appearing in my work alongside botanicals and birds.
I draw from Gustav Klimt and the Art Nouveau era, using metallic paints to add a touch of enchantment.
Visiting Monet’s Garden in Giverny, France, was an unforgettable experience.
Being Part of Art Exhibitions
Participating in the Bay of Fires Local Art Prize was rewarding.
It was thrilling to exhibit alongside other fabulous artworks, and coming second in the People’s Choice was encouraging.
Sometimes, it’s tough to handle criticism, so it’s nice when people appreciate your work.
Growing a Following for Paintings
Getting your art seen and recognised takes time.
I joined online galleries and didn’t realise how long it would take to make sales.
It can be discouraging, but I’ve learned to keep creating and not doubt my work.
Now, I’m fortunate to have collectors who appreciate my paintings.
Finding Your Own Tribe
Your art won’t appeal to everyone, and that’s okay.
Finding your unique audience, or “tribe,” is essential.
There are so many different art styles, and it’s crucial to stay true to yourself rather than paint what you think will sell.
Often, the pieces you least expect to sell find a home!
Unveiling the Canvas: A Guide for Artists to Discover Their Unique Creative Voice
Embark on the journey to find your creative voice with tips on self-discovery, techniques to explore and practical insights with Art Trails Tasmania.
Collaborative Workshops With Watercolour Painting and Ceramics
Recently, I’ve been running collaborative workshops with Christie Lange Ceramics.
Combining ceramics with watercolours has been a rewarding experience.
It’s amazing to see how unique each artwork turns out, even when everyone starts with the same instructions.
Sharing Inspiration
Experimenting and trying new things is vital.
Don’t fear failure; it’s part of the process.
Some experiments will fail, but others will succeed, leading to growth and improvement.
Following inspiring artists on social media has been helpful for me.
The key is to keep creating and enjoy the journey.
It’s incredible to see how much I’ve improved over the past two years.
About the Artist
Based on Tasmania’s East Coast, Kay Shanley is a passionate artist known for vibrant portraits and florals, often blending women with botanicals and birds, inspired by Gustav Klimt and Art Nouveau.
She explores oils and watercolours, showcasing her work at Jane Seychell’s St Helens gallery.
Engaging in an online Facebook Auction Group, Kay‘s evolving style captivates collectors and fellow artists.
Follow Kay on Instagram and Facebook and explore her beautiful work for sales online .
Read Another Artist Profile…
How a Scientist Becomes a Botanical Artist with Tanya Scharaschkin
Meet Artist & Botanist Dr Tanya Scharaschkin and Share in Her Joy Being able to use art as a way to share my scientific interest in plants brings me immense joy. The natural beauty of Tasmania is just a constant source of inspiration. Even before I “became an...
Be Intrigued by the Smaller Treasures of the Heart Shaped Island with Helene Boyer
Meet Glass Artist Helene Boyer Who Is Constantly Inspired by Tasmanian Nature My artistic practice is totally grounded in the fact that I am Tasmanian – a proud resident of this heart-shaped island at the bottom of the world whose precious natural beauty always...
A Time Dissolving Yearning to Create Experience with Maria Oakley
Meet Maria Oakley as she explores her call to create I feel a calling to create and a need to yield to the yearning to create. Creating that special piece for someone and watching how it resonates with them is an amazing feeling. Painting for me produces a meditative...
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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.
