Artist Bio
Sharryn Jenkinson is an Australian oil painter living on the Surf Coast whose depictions of ethereal skyscapes reflect the changeability of life. Jenkinson’s changing skyscapes are symbolic for the emotions that remain present and grow with us throughout life and similarly use nature as the canvas to portray the intuitive human experience. Inspired by the impressionist and romanticist depictions of the natural world to give sentience to the landscape, Jenkinson often depicts storms within her cloudscapes to symbolise the process of evolution and growth from darkness. Her emphasis of colour, light and texture develops space and movement within her works which reflect the emotional resonance of the changing skyscape. It is through the simultaneous tactility found within her skyscapes that Jenkinson creates an atmospheric immersion in nature that allows the viewer to be present within it, whilst transforming the sky into its own being.
Originally from Dimboola, Sharryn grew up in the isolation of wide, open spaces that had her completely immersed in nature and in oneness with the cyclic patterns of the landscape. She particularly remembers moments as a child, lying on her back in the middle of 300-acre paddock, gazing in awe for hours, at the sky above her. The endless cloud formations, the thrill of electrical storms, feeling the raw energy of nature; and of course, the notion that with storms comes the rain that has the power to bring forth new life.
The atmospheric and elemental feel of these memories are freely expressed through Sharryn’s hands using the flexibility and texture of oil paint.
The energy and passion shines through each painting Sharryn creates, emotionally engaging the viewer every time.
My Process
If you follow me on Instagram you will see my reels showing just how I paint, it is fast, it’s mixing colours straight onto the canvas, playing with shapes and textures. It is very physical and totally in the moment, lots of dancing and singing (when nobody is watching) and then I stand back and take it all in.
Sometimes I will finish the painting in the classic Alla Prima style. (Direct painting, all at once.) Other times I will put the painting away and talk to it later.
It’s quite thrilling standing back to see what is evolving, it is instinctual, nothing is planned so it is exciting and fresh every time. The refinement comes from a palette knife or a large house brush, or pretty much whatever comes to hand, I’m not pedantic!
I love to play with the incidental moments of light, shade and colour in immense immersive spaces, unbounded by a preconceived idea.
I am moved by cloud formations, reflective water, and flashes of colour. However what I am really trying to emulate is space, to tap into the elemental power of its immenseness!
Sharryn paints from Porta Vermelha Studio in the beautiful rolling hills of Bellbrae, Victoria, her works can be found in private collections in Europe, the USA, and Asia, currently exhibited and represented by Papermill Gallery, Fyansford, The Convent in Daylesford, Surfcoast Gallery, Torquay, Art 16 Art Gallery, Drysdale.
Clouds of Ra
Winner of the ‘Ocean Art Category’ at the Queenscliff Art Prize 2024.