Meet Kay Shanley, an artist who finds joy in exploring the beauty of St Helens on Tasmania’s enchanting East Coast.
Art has been Kay’s passion since her school days, with teachers who encouraged her to nurture her creative side. Over 25 years later, she has established a successful career in graphic design, boasting a portfolio she deeply values. However, her heart has always been drawn to fine art, and now she is fully immersed in her artistic journey once again.
Originally hailing from the UK, Kay grew up in the picturesque Kent countryside, renowned for its abundant orchards. She possesses a green thumb and draws inspiration from nature, a recurring theme in her artwork.
Kay finds profound inspiration in women, often featuring them alongside botanicals and birds in her creations. Influenced by Gustav Klimt and the Art Nouveau movement, she frequently incorporates metallic paints to imbue her pieces with a touch of magic and allure.
In her creative process, Kay utilises her graphic design expertise to craft digital artworks in Photoshop—a meticulous dance of layers and colours until the design feels just right. Conversely, her watercolour paintings are a journey guided by intuition, where she allows the paint to dictate a whimsical narrative. The unpredictability of watercolours—the blending of colours and splashes—adds a magical dimension to her canvases.
Kay’s artwork is characterised by vibrant colours that exude energy and vitality, reflecting her love for brightness and optimism. She invites you to explore and appreciate her diverse collection, each piece a testament to her artistic journey and creative spirit.