Rapture

Rapture

Yorke Peninsula, South Australia

"Where salt, water and colour meet."

The pink salt lakes of South Australia's Yorke Peninsula have been a constant source of inspiration throughout my photography, and now I'm finding myself returning to them through paint.

Rapture is an interpretation of those extraordinary landscapes, where evaporation, salt and water create colours that can shift from the palest blush to intense pinks, crimson and deep earthy tones.

There is something almost surreal about seeing these landscapes from above. The colour can feel unexpected, almost otherworldly, against the surrounding earth.

Rather than recreating a particular lake, I wanted to capture that feeling, the sense of discovery and wonder that comes with encountering these places in their most vivid moments.

Heavy palette knife marks build the surface, allowing the paint itself to become part of the landscape. Layers of pink, burgundy, earth and unexpected flashes of orange create movement and depth, reflecting the ever-changing character of the salt lakes.

This painting continues my exploration of Australia's salt lakes, taking landscapes I have photographed for years and allowing them to evolve into something more expressive through paint.

Rapture is about that moment when landscape becomes colour, texture and emotion.

91cm × 91cm
Oak frame, professionally crafted on gallery-quality canvas by @upinframes to gallery standards. Archival-quality acrylic paints used.

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For many years, my creative practice has been centered on Australia's extraordinary landscapes, exploring them through aerial photography and, more recently, expressive abstract painting. Whether working with a camera or a palette knife, I'm drawn to the colours, textures and patterns that emerge naturally within the landscape, revealing perspectives that often go unnoticed.

Living in South Australia has provided endless inspiration. From mineral-rich salt lakes and coastal flats to expansive inland textures, these ever-changing environments have shaped the way I see and create. My work is inspired by the subtle geometry, rhythm and movement found in nature, where rich earth tones meet brilliant whites, delicate pinks and shifting blues.

Photography remains the foundation of my practice, allowing me to document the landscape from above with precision and simplicity. Painting has become a natural extension of that journey. Rather than reproducing a photograph, I use layers of acrylic paint and expressive palette knife techniques to interpret the emotion, energy and atmosphere of the places I've come to know over many years.

My work sits between observation and abstraction, inviting viewers to slow down and experience familiar landscapes in a different way. Whether through a fine art photograph or a textured painting, I hope each piece brings a sense of calm, curiosity and connection to the natural world.

I have been fortunate to have my work recognized through several photographic competition finalist placements, including receiving a Gold Medal at the Australian Photographic Prize. While recognition is always appreciated, my greatest reward comes from creating work that resonates with others and encourages a deeper appreciation of Australia's remarkable landscapes.

As my practice continues to evolve, my goal remains the same: to create thoughtful, contemporary artworks that celebrate the beauty, texture and quiet complexity of the Australian landscape.