Born in Point Lonsdale, I am fascinated by the sea. I grew up listening to the lighthouse booming on foggy nights while long Summer days were spent at the beach as fishing boats, yachts and large ships braved The Rip at the entrance to The Heads. I later lived in Melbourne for some years soaking up the culture of the city and working in the advertising industry. Now residing in Ocean Grove, I often walk between the two towns. The estuary at Barwon Heads is a constant source of inspiration with a different scene unfolding constantly - depending on the time of day and the weather. There’s so much to see and discover - spectacular views from the Bluff, beautiful seabirds and the secret underworld of reefs and rockpools.

I enjoy a spontaneous approach to my paintings – I want to capture what I see before me in a fresh and lively way. Watercolours, gouache and acrylics are my main mediums for this reason along with a rich use of colour and flowing lines. Sometimes I cover my large canvases of yachts and fish with a glass coating which creates a three dimensional depth to the works.

A large part of my work is commissions for private collectors and my paintings sell regularly at select galleries around Port Phillip Bay. My illustrations are regularly commissioned for business as branding, logos, brochures and limited edition prints.

Meet Derek a seagull believed to reside on the bluff at Barwon Heads>.
His antics and insights can be followed in the local Talking Heads magazine

To see more of Derek and Jane's Art go to her website