In an Octopus Garden

This original artwork is inspired by the hidden beauty of Australia's underwater gardens, where octopuses disappear and reappear amongst swaying seaweed, coral and shafts of golden light. Layers of acrylic, shimmering resin and gold leaf capture the feeling of sunlight filtering through the ocean, creating a sense of movement, mystery and discovery.

Rather than portraying the octopus realistically, I've painted it as part of the landscape itself—camouflaged amongst colour, texture and marine life. The piece invites the viewer to slow down, look closer, and notice new details each time they return, much like spotting an octopus on a reef.

Created with rich texture and luminous metallic accents, In an Octopus Garden celebrates the intelligence, curiosity and quiet magic of one of the ocean's most remarkable creatures. It's a joyful, contemporary piece that brings warmth, colour and a touch of coastal wonder to any space.

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Elizabeth Allen is an Australian artist based on Phillip Island, Victoria. Working primarily in acrylic and gold leaf, she creates joyful, contemporary artworks inspired by the coast, wildlife and wide-open skies of regional Australia.

After a life-changing sea change from Melbourne to Phillip Island in 2022, Elizabeth found renewed creative inspiration in the natural beauty surrounding her. Her work captures moments of wonder—little penguins returning home at dusk, shy Australian marsupials, whales breaching offshore, country roads stretching towards distant hills, and skies alive with colour and light.

Known for her vibrant palette, painterly textures and uplifting themes, Elizabeth's art is designed to evoke a sense of connection, nostalgia and happiness. Drawing on her experiences as a breast cancer survivor, mother and nature lover, she creates pieces that celebrate resilience, belonging and the beauty found in everyday moments.

Elizabeth is the founder of My Island Creations, a working art studio and retail space on Phillip Island where she creates her original artworks by hand. Her work has been collected around the world and is held in private collections.