Tara Lewis – Australian Abstract Artist
Tara Lewis is a contemporary Australian artist based in Central Queensland, known for her expressive abstract paintings inspired by the colours, textures, and organic forms of the Australian landscape. Working with acrylics and mixed media, Lewis creates layered artworks that explore the emotional connection between people and nature. Her paintings are recognised for their vibrant palettes, rich textures, and intuitive mark-making — a style shaped by the botanicals, wildflowers, and shifting light of regional Queensland.
Art Inspired by Nature and Emotion
Growing up surrounded by native flora and later cultivating her own garden, Tara draws directly from the natural world around her. Her work reflects botanical impressions, gum leaves and wildflowers, organic shapes and natural rhythms and the movement, light, and colours of Central Queensland. Rather than recreating nature literally, she distils these elements into abstract forms that evoke feeling, memory, and atmosphere.
From Initial Concept to Finished Artwork
Each painting begins with quick studies drawn from memory, photographs, or earlier work. Once on the canvas, the process becomes intuitive, guided by colour, emotion, and the evolving layers of paint. Using acrylics together with pastel, charcoal, conte, and graphite, Lewis builds depth and complexity through expressive mark-making.
Artist Background
Tara studied drawing and fine art practices at the Queensland College of Art in Brisbane before relocating to Emerald, a move that allowed her to pursue painting full-time. Her regional surroundings continue to influence her work, providing constant inspiration through light, landscape, and seasonal change. Today, she paints from two creative spaces, a home studio for small and detailed works and a larger art shed surrounded by trees and visiting birds for large scale paintings. This natural environment infuses her work with authenticity and a distinct Australian sensibility.
Exhibitions and Recognition
Tara has exhibited extensively across Australia, with career highlights including:
• Exhibiting at the Rockhampton Museum of Art
• Winning First Place at the Emerald Art Show
• Finalist positions in multiple national art awards
• A growing community of dedicated collectors
She considers every artwork that finds a home with a collector a meaningful achievement.
Artist Philosophy
“I see art as a way to inspire and connect, without any rules or limits, just honest colour and feeling”. This intuitive approach gives her work its sense of movement, authenticity, and emotional resonance.
Discover the Art of Tara Lewis
Collectors and art lovers are drawn to Tara’s paintings for their vibrant energy, organic textures, and connection to the Australian landscape. Her work brings warmth, nature, and contemporary style to modern interiors. Explore current collections, studio updates, and new releases through her website or upcoming exhibitions.