Australian artist Roslyn Oakes creates realistic paintings of wildlife and landscapes filled with rich detail and expressive beauty. To see more of her artwork, please visit her website.
As with so many artists, I showed promise from a very early age and was encouraged by my primary school teacher (an artist himself) and later in high school. Unfortunately, I was not born into an artistic family, thus was not allowed to follow an artistic career. I remember my father saying “There is no money in art.” I put my artistic pursuits off until later in life. After I raised my children, I decided it was time to follow my dreams. Along this creative journey I was lucky enough to meet Graeme Stevenson (of Colour in Your Life) and was given much encouragement and support.
I have a neverending fascination with the natural world and endeavor to capture an image or moment in time using a medium which I feel represents it best. I wish to evoke a feeling of appreciation from the viewer similar to that which first sparked an excitement in me.
Examples of exciting moments can include the moment before a snake strikes, or the moisture in the air from an incoming impending Australian storm and the urgent flight of fleeing cockatoos.
Other images that cause emotion include the quietness of a morning walk along a misty rainforest track, or the expression of an inquisitive bird.
My work rejoices in the beauty that surrounds me and resonates with a profound respect for native flora and fauna. This led me to an opportunity to work with Andy Reimanis on The Green Cauldron Panorama. This is a diorama that fills an entire room which depicts a 360 degree view from the top of Mt. Warning showing the towns, waterways and mountain ranges of the Cauldera Region.
By painting subjects that are larger than life, I hope to draw the viewer’s eye to the intricate patterns and features that are so often overlooked in our busy lives. My work also reflects an ambient tranquility which reflects an idealized vision of our diverse environment.
Each painting requires many hours of preparation beginning with the sourcing of inspirational images by means of photographic expedition, sketching and preliminary painted sketches.
When I am finally happy with my composition, I transfer my illustration to canvas or board and decide on the appropriate medium. I then start the blocking in process for my under painting and proceed with many meditative hours on the details.
Artist Roslyn Oakes invites you to follow her on Facebook.
Amazing works Roslyn, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing them in an exhibition and wish you all the best as your art is stunning, and the subjects so studied…
Thank you Marnie for your lovely coments, much appreciated.
Amazing pieces of art, very talented would love to see your collection grow and inspire others.
Thank you Georgina, I am working very hard to increase my collection. You can see more of my work on FB Roslyn Oakes Art
Very impressive work. From your sisters.
Val and Sue.
Thank you for the support.
Thanks for the info ,will be seeing you soon as I now plan a trip to visit my family next month.
Looking forward to seeing your promised updates,regard Patrick.
Will be happy to get you up to date with my work, you can also view pictures of recent work on my Facebook page Roslyn Oakes Art. See you next month.
I have followed Roslyn Oakes artistic career now for several years and I,m amazed at the diverse number of subjects that she has covered. I look forward with anticipation each time she is in the final stages of completing yet another amazing work. Wishing you all the best. You have a promising future ahead.