The cows of Gippsland

The cows of Gippsland
Among the verdant fields, herds of cows graze contentedly, their presence completing the idyllic scene. These gentle creatures roam freely, their glossy coats glistening under the warm Australian sun. With each step, they leave a trail through the dew-kissed grass, carving paths that weave across the landscape like threads in a tapestry.
The cows of Gippsland are more than just part of the scenery; they are an integral part of the region's soul. Their milk, rich and creamy, is the pride of local farmers and the basis of the dairy products that have put Gippsland on the map. Watching them amble across the fields, one can't help but admire their quiet dignity and simple grace.
As the day draws to a close, the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the fields. The cows settle down for the night, their silhouettes blending into the darkening landscape. And in the stillness, one can almost hear the land whispering its timeless tales of beauty, resilience, and hope.

This particular piece is created on a 5mm MDF panel. Working on panels allows for more intricate details compared to canvas, which can sometimes lose detail during the painting process. I find painting on panels enjoyable due to their smooth surface and the ability to control texture. All my paintings come framed, as depicted in the image.

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Hi, my name is Jori Poutanen. I was born in Finland and have spent half my life in Australia. I now live in Cairns, in tropical North Queensland, surrounded by lush rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef – an inspiring place to raise a young family and to paint.
I am an oil painter who also enjoys working in charcoal. I paint the natural beauty around me the way I see and feel it, often experimenting with different techniques and new ways of using oil paint to capture light, depth, and atmosphere.
Art runs in my family. My father and uncle in Finland were both artists in their own way. My uncle was a professional artist and served as a World War II TK draftsman, “holding a rifle in one hand and a pencil in the other,” documenting life on the front lines. He carried many stories that never needed words – they lived in his drawings. My father was a sailor who painted offshore whenever he found the time. Watching them work when I was young sparked my own passion for painting.
As Finns, we don’t tend to talk too much; we prefer to let the paintings speak for themselves. I try to do the same. My work is simply my way of showing the world as I experience it, and I hope you enjoy what you see.
All my oil paintings are created on either wood panel, MDF panel, or canvas. I prepare every surface myself using a marble-dust gesso made with my own special recipe, and I work exclusively with high-quality oil paints to ensure lasting, vibrant results. Each painting is framed as shown in the images, but if you prefer a natural wood-coloured frame, you’re very welcome to contact me and discuss a custom option.
You can also follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joripoutanenart