From, out of curiosity, enrolling in an introduction to painting class a little over two years ago, Toni Ware is now a dedicated still life artist who achieves a realism style from a combination of a loose, painterly technique with the application of intense detail to her work. Painting exclusively with oils, Toni captures ceramics and antiques from her personal collection of treasured ornaments and objects she has collected from artisans, thrift and specialty gift shops, family heirlooms and travels in Australia, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. She creates movement and life to these subjects by including cuttings and produce from her garden and that of family and friends. Each of Toni’s painting tells a story of relationships and connections through the personal significance of the subjects she portrays. The capture of light, the sheen on a ceramic, dramatic shadows and fun, pops of colour are often showcased against neutral tones. Toni left a corporate career in 2023 to focus on her art journey. During her recent career as an artist, Toni has exhibited in galleries in Brisbane and has achieved recognition with a Highly Commended Prize and as a finalist in the 2024 Lethbridge Small Scale Exhibition, a finalist in the 2024 Clayton Utz Art Award, 2024 Rotary Brisbane Art Prize, 2024 Doyles Art Award, a finalist and in the Top 20 People’s Choice Award for Bluethumb’s 2023 Art Prize. She lives with her husband and three young, adult children in Brisbane and can also often be found exploring the beaches and headlands of Lennox Head, Northern NSW.
