Exploring Rural Artistry at the Affordable Art Fair Brisbane

Our galleries will journey from far and wide to the Affordable Art Fair in Brisbane from locations such as Yandina QLD (Stevens Street Gallery), Toowoomba QLD (The Toowoomba Gallery), Orange NSW (Jumbled), Springwood NSW (Sarah Birtles Art + Advice), Milton NSW (Gallery Alchemy), and more. These galleries bring a diverse array of artists with work priced between $100 – $10,000. From landscapes to still life, each piece of work by a rural artist invites viewers to immerse themselves in the beauty and creativity of regional Australia. 

Discover our spotlighted pick of artists and learn the top five reasons you should add a rural artwork to your collection this May 9 – 12.

1. Sense of Place

Artworks displayed in rural galleries often evoke a strong sense of place, capturing the essence of rural landscapes, architecture, and everyday life with honesty and reverence. Whether nestled in a picturesque village or set amidst rolling hills, rural galleries offer an inspirational atmosphere that stimulates creativity, sparks imagination, and invites contemplation.

Meet Jenie Fawckner: 

Jenie’s upbringing on her family’s sheep and cattle property in Central Western Queensland influenced her artistic vision and fascination with the Australian landscape. Her prints and paintings, created in her studio near Hampton, Toowoomba, resonate with the subtle yet ever-changing seasonal landscapes surrounding her. Her art is a testament to the beauty and serenity of rural life.

Jenie has continued her part-time art career while travelling, working, marrying, helping her husband run their cattle property, and raising four children.

2. Connection to Nature

Many artworks found in rural galleries are inspired by the natural beauty of the countryside, celebrating the relationship between artists and their surroundings.

Emma Newton’s Journey: 

Emma is connected to the Arrernte People of central Australia and lives on Kabi Kabi country. Adventuring through the most remote lands of Australia with family, Emma has had a deep reverence for nature since her early childhood. An environmental scientist and cultural heritage specialist, Emma’s artwork reflects the Australian landscape, capturing its raw beauty and spiritual essence.

3. Creative Expression

Rural art galleries offer artists a platform to express themselves and share their perspectives on rural life, nature, and society. They encourage creative exploration and experimentation and foster artistic innovation within the rural art scene.

Discover Sarah’s expressive mark-making:

Like many artists accompanying her from Greenbridge Gallery, Sarah Waghorn paints en plein air. This means Sarah creates artwork outside in the nature from which she draws inspiration.

A British-born Australian painter, Sarah finds that the intimacy of flower and leaf forms captures her attention more often than the vast expanse of a sweeping scene. Her expressive use of lines creates a dynamic sense of movement within her artworks.

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4. Supporting Local

Contributing to the development of rural artists in Queensland is vital for fostering a thriving arts community.

Meet Meg Frances: 

Meg, a self-taught artist based in Brisbane, finds inspiration in rural surroundings, capturing rugged Australian landscapes and botanical still life with honesty and passion. Her journey as an artist, fuelled by her love for painting, highlights the importance of supporting local talent in their creative endeavours.

5. Bridging Divides

Rural art galleries can bridge geographic distances by connecting rural artists with the broader art world.

Experience Caitlin Lever’s Murals: 

Caitlin, originally from Toowoomba and now residing in Rockhampton, brings her art to public spaces, enriching communities with vibrant depictions of native flora and fauna. 

Bridging the gap between natural and built environments, in 2022 she painted a mural project for Stocklands, Rockhampton, consisting of two large 6m panels—her largest canvas to date. A kookaburra and pale-headed rosella stand proudly on this wall, which can be seen from the main road that passes through Rockhampton.

Caitlin will bring a series of detailed and brightly coloured paintings to the Brisbane fair, which captures the many birds we are lucky to have in our backyard here in Australia.

Feeling inspired? You, too, can bring a piece of country flair home with you by collecting artwork from a rural gallery at our Brisbane fair, which will take place from 9 – 12 May at the Brisbane Showgrounds Exhibition Building.

Main image: Patrick Oates, The Promise Collectors, Studio Gallery.
Patrick Oates is currently based and practicing in the Clarence Valley region of NSW.