Always a pleasure

If you know, you know!

The Nylex sign and digital clock sitting above the malting silos in Richmond have been one of Melbournes most recognisable landmarks since the 1960’s
This painting, its title and the inspiration behind it, encapsulates all of the pleasures I’ve enjoyed since returning to live in Cremorne/Richmond recently - the location, it’s vibrancy, Yarra River views, and a sense of joy and connection in discovering that an important part of Australia’s aeronautical history took place in my very neighbourhood.
In 1858 from an amusement park and gardens known as The Pleasure Gardens, Australia’s very first Hot Air Balloon flight successfully took to the skies from right here in Cremorne, piloted by Joseph Dean, and travelling a short NE direction until landing safely in Heidelberg.

Looking out of my window, I now regularly see the spectacle of hot air balloons floating across Richmond and the city beyond - at times very close to the Nylex clock!
During our long-lockdown period during 2021, I soon became obsessed with the beautiful light and changing colours quickly transforming the silos as changing weather conditions moved across the sky.
From the golden glow at dawn, or pink beneath the sunset I rarely notice the dull grey of their solitary presence - infact was keen to capture these fleeting moments with many photographs taken to fuel my inspiration.
So, with oil pastels, oil paint, charcoal pencil and detailed curious observation, have rendered the very scene I see outside my 12th floor window ….and shown the silos in their best ‘light’
And it has indeed been a ‘pleasure’! Both now and over 150 years ago here in Richmond.

This work is painted on premium Linen and framed in a natural Oak hardwood ready to hang.
Copyright of this image belongs to the artist.

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Oil painter Jackie Moss is inspired by capturing and connecting others with 'Extraordinary' perspectives of ordinary moments - Drawing attention to the beauty she sees in the world.
Finding herself absorbed in something as simple as the fleeting shift between light and shadow or the graceful gesture of a leaf; She captures a unique perspective of her surroundings which resonates with others. Inspired by surprising 'joys' observed within her interior and exterior worlds.

Jackie feels deeply gratified when others respond to these smaller and unnoticed perspectives within her work, providing her with the motivation to paint a diverse range of subject matter ranging from still life, geology, nature and botanical themes observed within her suburban and coastal environments.

Forever engaged by the unique structures and colours of our Australian flora species, Jackie intuitively explores themes of nature and solitude through her personal photography which, along with her love of travel, often become reference and inspiration for her work.

Jackie finds painting in oils allows the time she takes to infuse her art with the colours, textures subtle details and she has been drawn to and inspired by.

A recent series of work explored the Nylex clock and silos - an iconic Melbourne landmark located in her neighbourhood, a series not typical of her genre but which evolved during the Covid 19 Pandemic whilst spending prolonged time ‘locked-down’ at home with the clock and silos in direct view.

Jackie undertook formal art studies as a mature aged student complimenting her previous employment in visual merchandising and Graphic design.
Until the Pandemic in 2020 she also created and presented art workshops for primary school aged children.
As a freelance designer and illustrator her work included logo design, textile designs, placement prints and branding concepts for company mascots.
She has also illustrated many books for children - most recently 'Our Dad is Fun!' 2024.

Jackie enjoys sharing her creative time between inner city Melbourne and Inverloch, a seaside town on the Bass coast of Victoria