Volcano II

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Dr Megan-Jane Johnstone AO is an emerging ('older') contemporary artist who resides in Melbourne. Self-taught, she works in mixed media using water-based paints, acrylic inks, and graphite. Since first commencing her art practice in 2017, Megan has undertaken several on-line courses and in-person workshops with professional artists enabling her to explore and experiment with different mediums, genres and subject matter. In 2023, she received a ‘Highly Commended’ award for her entry ‘Land Interrupted’ in the Victorian Artists Society George Hicks Foundation Contemporary Art Exhibition. In 2024, she was awarded Signatory Membership of the Victorian Artists Society for her ‘contribution and services to the arts’. She remains a regular exhibitor with the Victorian Artists Society.

Megan’s paintings primarily encompass contemporary and abstract expressions of characteristic landscapes and unique geological features found in New Zealand and outback regions of Australia. All works are on paper and have been produced using a dynamic combination of different methods and experimental renditions of the scenes portrayed. Her painterly interpretations of the colours and contours of landscapes and the unique geological formations within them aim to give viewers a multidimensional experience of the infinite possibilities in which panoramas can be viewed, interpreted and enjoyed.

The primary inspiration for Megan’s work comes from the natural environment and the geological and botanical histories associated with it. She is currently working on a ‘moody mountain’ series, inspired by the majesty and sacredness of mountains found primarily in NZ, Greece and Australia.

Influenced by:
Australian artists: Ron Reynolds, Stefan Gevers, Helen Grey-Smith
NZ artist: Colin Gibbs.