Carolyne Jane

Q. Where did your love for art begin?
A. My passion for art was sparked at a young age. I vividly
remember being around eight years old and utterly captivated by my much older sister, who was an artist. I was enthralled by the idea of becoming an artist myself,
it seemed so magical and creative. But after a few frustrating attempts at paint-by-numbers (and not having any mineral turps!), I decided perhaps this artistic life wasn’t for me. At school, I often struggled with the discipline of traditional art classes. I was too messy, couldn’t paint still life, and instead, strange wonky scribbles would appear on my page. Still, I was drawn to abstract art and always dreamed of creating it. It wasn’t until later in life that I had a kind of epiphany, realising that my instinctive, messy approach to painting was actually perfect for abstract work. That realisation changed everything. It was a match made in heaven and one that has truly transformed my life.

Q. You describe your work as intuitive and emotional — how do you go about creating it?
A. My work is deeply intuitive and always comes from the heart. I’m often inspired by the natural world, especially

the sensory experiences of sight and sound. The colours I absorb from nature seem to burn into my mind, and the emotions and sounds around me help shape the energy of each piece. I often describe my creative process as solving a jigsaw puzzle and it’s thrilling to find what fits, whether it’s a scribble or a colour mixed straight onto the canvas. Each element finds its place, and I work instinctively, allowing the painting to evolve organically as I go.

Q. Your style is loose, interpretive, and experimental.
How do you keep that spontaneity alive?
A. Spontaneity comes naturally when I stay inspired. For me, inspiration often comes from immersing myself in the world around me or taking a drive through the country, exploring the outback, or walking along the beach. These experiences fuel my creativity and keep my work feeling fresh. Even when I can’t get out into nature, a simple colour or a photo of a unique rock or cliff might spark a new direction. Because I paint from within, the process is always exciting. I never quite know what’s going to happen next, the magic just seems to flow through the brushes
as I respond to what’s unfolding on the canvas.

Q. What is it about the red rocks and changing sea around Phillip Island that draws you in creatively?
A. The colour is what draws me in first and foremost. From our house overlooking the bay, the sea changes dail, it shifts from silver to grey, deep navy to bright aquas, and every shade in between. It’s a constant visual feast. I’ve always had a fascination with rocks, even as a child, so when I see the striking red rocks along the beaches of Phillip Island, it ignites something within me. The natural drama and colour of the coastline is endlessly inspiring.

Q. Colour is a big part of your work, how do you choose your palettes, and do they change as you paint?
A. I didn’t realise how strong my connection to colour was until I started painting and it has become such a vital part of my process. I seem to have an instinctive sense of what works, and often my colour palettes evolve naturally as I go. I rarely plan them in advance. Usually, I begin with one colour that calls to me, and from there it grows into a palette that fits the mood and energy of the work. I love creating new combinations each time I paint and it keeps the process alive and full of discovery.

Q. You’ve said the canvas tells you what it wants — has it ever led you in an unexpected direction?
A. Absolutely — many times! I often start a painting with
no fixed idea of the outcome. As I work, the canvas begins to speak to me, guiding me in unexpected ways. I try to follow that flow rather than force it in a certain direction. Sometimes I’ll step back and think, “Something’s not
quite right,” so I’ll leave it overnight, or even for a few

days, and come back with fresh eyes. One of my favourite techniques is painting over an older piece. I love the way underlying layers and textures peek through, adding depth and richness to the final work. Those moments of surprise are often the most rewarding.

Q. Are there any artists or artistic movements that have influenced your work?
A. I have a deep appreciation for Australian artists. Even after travelling widely and seeing extraordinary art from around the world, I always come back to the raw beauty and boldness of Australian art. Two of my earliest and strongest influences were Fred Williams and John Olsen. Their work had a profound impact on me, especially in their interpretations of landscape and abstraction. They helped shape my own love for expressing the land in my own unique way.

Q. How do you bring that sense of movement and
freedom into your brushstrokes?
A. For me, painting is about surrendering to the moment
and letting go of overthinking and allowing emotion to take the lead. When I pick up a brush, it’s like something shifts inside me. My head quiets, and my heart guides the way. I feel a deep sense of freedom, especially with those first bold, confident strokes as they carry so much energy. I often think of myself as an explorer. One of my favourite parts of the process is adding my signature scribble,
that’s when the wildness kicks in. It’s spontaneous, unpredictable, and I think that’s what keeps the work
alive and fresh.

Q. Are there any travel destinations that you think might influence future works?
A. Absolutely — travel is such a big part of my life. While I have a deep love for Italy, I tend to absorb the atmosphere and colours more than the actual scenery. Last year I travelled to Alaska, and it was incredible. I’ve already begun a series inspired by the glaciers, there’s something about raw, natural beauty that really compels me to paint. Currently, I’m focused on the Grampians and the incredible colours left in the wake of the bushfires. I’d love to return to that area and witness how the landscape continues to recover. It’s such an amazing process, the healing of the earth and I’d love to create a new body of work from that evolving story.

Q. If you weren’t living on Phillip Island, where else
would you see yourself living?
A. It would definitely have to be somewhere by the ocean. The sea is such a huge part of who I am. I’ve always loved the Sunshine Coast, particularly Sunshine Beach. I’ve spent a lot of time there, and I’m drawn to the mix of rainforest and coastline. It’s incredibly inspiring and peaceful, and I can easily imagine painting there, surrounded by all that natural beauty.

Q. What is your favourite colour, and does it describe you
as a person?
A. That’s such a hard question! When I was younger, I would’ve said red, but these days I’m more drawn to calming blues, which often feature in my work. Still, I couldn’t pick just one. I’m deeply connected to colour, and several resonate with me in different ways. I adore the red

rusts and soft pinks of the outback, they stay with
me long after I’ve seen them. So maybe I’m a mix, a combination of those earthy reds, warm pinks, and
calming blues. That probably says something about
who I am.

Q. When you aren’t creating art, how do you like to
spend your time?
A. Art plays a huge role in my life, even outside of painting.
I volunteer on a contemporary arts committee, where we organise and curate a major four-week exhibition every year, featuring incredible work from artists based in regional Victoria and Melbourne. It’s a big undertaking,
but one I find incredibly rewarding. I also love to travel
and make sure I take time each year to do just that. Those experiences always feed back into my creative life and seem to grow me even more as an artist when I get back
in front of the easel after being away for so long.

Q. Where do you see your art taking you in the next
few years?
A. I feel like I’m just beginning this journey as an artist. There’s still so much to explore and develop. I’m
constantly evolving, and I want to continue pushing myself creatively. I really feel that abstracted/contemporary landscape is where I will continue to evolve. In the next few years, I’d love to exhibit in larger regional galleries across Victoria, places like the Gippsland Art Gallery, and participate in some of the more prestigious art awards.

I think it’s important to always stay curious, and never feel too comfortable. That’s where the growth happens.