Australian artist Vanessa Osborne creates bold and vibrant floral paintings that make big impact. See more of her portfolio on her website.
“Unfurling” oil on canvas, 20″ x 20″
My name is Vanessa Osborne, and I am an artist based in Adelaide, South Australia. As an artist I am inspired by everything, but nothing more than flowers. I’ve been asked quite a lot, “Why do you paint flowers?” The answer is simple. I just love them so much! I think this comes from my upbringing, being the grandchild of a couple of enthusiastic gardeners and always being surrounded by an array of floral gems, especially roses.
“Belle in Pale Lemon” acrylic on canvas,18″ x 18″
I’ve been an artist my whole life. Ever since I can remember, I have had pencils, pastels, paints, brushes and a myriad of other tools at my disposal. There is evidence of my early childhood creativity still living amongst my long stored away treasures.
“Roman de la Rose” acrylic on canvas, 30″ x 40″
At school there was no question that I wanted to be an artist. However, life doesn’t always work out the way you plan it, and I followed a “sensible” career pathway which garnered me a whole range of skills and knowledge—many which are actually very useful in the world of art. Nonetheless, I never let go of my love of art. I continued to paint and draw throughout the different seasons of my life. In a way, it is the one thing that has remained constant.
“Dawn’s First Light” acrylic on canvas, 30″ x 40″
When I select a subject to paint, it is very much based on how it makes me feel in the moment. Something that is breathtaking, that makes me go, “Wow!” or resonates with me for some other reason, like a distant memory. From there the interest grows. What is the meaning of this flower? Why did it demand to be painted? I explore the colours and shapes, look at the shadows and highlights, play with the composition until it is just right. And that usually means getting up close and personal with the flower.
“Sacred Lotus” acrylic on canvas, 30″ x 40″
My paintings tend to be bold and bright. I guess that is the thing that attracts me to the flowers—the stunning colours. I love the way they shimmer in the light or how, from a shadow, an unexpected colour can emerge, and how a red rose is not just a red rose.
“Forever Peace” acrylic on canvas, 30″ x 40″
Painting is my favourite way to decompress from the pressures that life can bring. I enjoy following my trusted processes in both preparation and then throughout the painting progression. It is easy to get lost in the curves and folds of the petals and I am at my happiest when I am painting.
“Make Me Blush” acrylic on canvas, 30″ x 40″
While I mostly paint with acrylics and oils, I love to explore other mediums on the side. Charcoal, pastel, and pencil drawing are also firm favorites. I also enjoy painting other subjects including fruits and vegetables, landscapes, and still life arrangements.
“The Sight of You Brings Me Joy” acrylic on canvas, 24″ x 30″
When I am not painting, I like to write blogs for my website and share stories about my journey and the things that inspire me.
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