Riley Magras is a Melbourne-based artist and painter whose work bridges the worlds of nature, nowness, and human connection. Originally from the United States, Riley moved to Australia and has since established a unique presence within the local art scene, showcasing work that encourages viewers to reconnect with her environment and find beauty in the present moment.
Riley is a privately trained painter who studied oil, acrylic and watercolour painting from a very young age through private lessons from Brushworks Studios in Burnsville, Minnesota, USA. Riley is an eternal student always looking to learn about the connections and patterns of life.
Inspired by the lush landscapes of the rainforest and Australian native wildlife, Riley’s art is deeply rooted in the natural world. Her creative process combines traditional and digital techniques, capturing the textures, colours, and spirit of her surroundings. She is passionate about making art accessible, believing that creativity is one of the earliest and most profound forms of human communication. Through her work, she invites people to embrace art as a tool for reflection and emotional expression, without the need for words.
In addition to her personal projects, Riley regularly participates in weekend markets and collaborates with galleries, shops, and restaurants across Melbourne to display her paintings. She also teaches art classes, where she shares her love for creativity with students, often exploring unique themes like cryptids and Pokémon.
With a focus on larger-than-life canvas projects and thoughtful, meditative abstract works, Riley’s portfolio has attracted a following of dream collectors who resonate with her intentional, yet intuitive approach to art. Her current solo exhibition is a celebration of her journey, highlighting both the beauty and mystery of the natural world, and offering viewers an opportunity to pause, feel, and connect.
Riley creates primarily surreal and abstract pieces with a focus on straying from reality while staying bound to familiarity. Making visual commentary about digging within the self and observing life as it unfolds is an integral part of Riley's work. Riley is an intuitive painter, taking inspiration from the desert transcendentalists such as Agnes Pelton, Hilma Af Klimt and abstract artists like Agnes Martin and Mark Rothko.