Breakwater

I took this photo at my local beach and knew I had to paint it. I was drawn to the simplicity of the scene and the striking contrast between the deep navy wave and the white foam as it broke onto the sand. To me, it’s the kind of view you never tire of, and when I look at it, I can almost hear the waves.

My hope is that this painting brings the same sense of peace into a home that I felt standing on the shoreline. Its calming colours, open space and simple composition create a timeless coastal piece that lifts a room without overwhelming it.

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Based on the South Coast of New South Wales, Rebecca Callaghan is a self-taught artist whose work captures the raw beauty and ever-changing mood of Australia’s wild coastline. Working primarily in oil on canvas, she paints the beaches and headlands that surround her daily life—places shaped by wind, salt, and shifting light.

Rebecca’s artistic journey began with pencil drawing, a foundation that continues to influence the structure and detail within her paintings today. Without formal training, she has developed a style that is both intuitive and deeply personal, guided by observation, memory, and a strong connection to place.

As a mother and wife, much of Rebecca’s life has been devoted to raising her family. Now, in a new chapter, she has returned to her lifelong love of art with renewed focus and passion. Her work reflects not only the landscapes she paints, but also a sense of rediscovery—of time, identity, and creativity.

Through textured brushwork and a natural coastal palette, Rebecca’s paintings aim to evoke the feeling of standing at the edge of the ocean—where land meets sea and everything is in motion. Her pieces invite viewers to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with the quiet power of the natural world.