“Kelly, you are full of surprises!” This is a recurring statement I hear, yet I was surprised when painting made a grand entrance into my life during 2021, simultaneously ushering in a sense of wonder & belonging. The evolution of my art practice has recently amplified since I began travelling and documenting life experiences on paper with quick charcoal sketches. Transforming these sketches into imaginative works on canvas has brought about exponential growth in my creativity and a period of self-reflection. My art practice has become a tool to express & reveal the deep reverence I have for moments of stillness while honouring the quiet resilience that exists in the world. Figure in landscape pieces have been emerging, each brushstroke and gesticulating mark of charcoal is a declaration of love and appreciation for the unexpected and enchanting moments I enjoy.

I see possibilities to paint everywhere. Quality time spent creating and maintaining my garden is also a form of motivation and inspiration. Flora is sourced from my extensive ornamental garden & native Australian wildlife corridor to create expressionistic still life, botanical & avian inspired compositions. Reaching deeply into my imagination, driven by intuition rather than a methodical process activates my creativity. My body of work is a visual diary, cataloguing endless creative possibilities

Australian native avian friends charm & inspire me with raucous visits near my studio on Wiradjuri Country. Endearing calls echo across the valley alerting me to their presence. As an avid gardener I have planted hundreds of locally sourced trees & plants to increase habitat for bird life. The amount & frequency of visiting avian wildlife has increased as the trees grow, providing a mutually beneficial relationship between the artist (me) & my avian sitters!

Discovering the beauty of charcoal during an artist workshop in France led by an award winning, acclaimed Australian artist opened a whole new world of creativity. Combining charcoal with lush Matisse acrylic gives me the freedom to experiment using my hands, brushes & palette knives whilst incorporating the technique ’Alla Prima’ - (wet on wet paint) invites visual interest into my artwork.

From 1993 - 2022 I was a Special and inclusive education teacher, developing and delivering specialised creative learning programs for students Kindergarten - Year 12. Establishing inventive, imaginative environments to support individual learning needs was a priority.

My home studio is situated in the Central West of NSW on Wiradjuri Country, very close to the Blue Mountains.

   “Moments of stillness surprise me, revealing secrets.”

Kelly Anne Shaw