Artist Spotlight | Carolyne Jane

Can you share a bit about your artistic journey and how it has shaped the artist you are today? 

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 abstract artist. I was enthralled by the idea of becoming an artist myself, it seemed so magical and creative. I have always been drawn to abstract art and dreamed of creating it.

Although the dream stayed with me it wasn’t until around 10 years ago that I first picked up a paintbrush and decided to achieve my long held desire  to paint having always held a passion for contemporary art. I was lucky to learn from some very experienced Melbourne 20 landscape painters which really helped me to understand the basics of painting from still life.  Even though I enjoyed painting I never felt really connected to what I was achieving. It wasn’t until about four years ago that I had a kind of epiphany, realising that my instinctive, loose messy approach  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. 

When did you first discover your love for creating art, and how would you describe your current artistic style? 
I’ve always adored art, but for many years I was simply an admirer - visiting exhibitions and galleries, never really believing I could create it myself. That changed when I finally gave myself permission to try. Today, my style is best described as Abstract Contemporary Landscape. My work is fully intuitive, inspired by the energy, colour, and feeling of the places I visit. I paint from memory and emotion, drawing on what I absorb through sight, sound, and atmosphere. It’s a deeply personal and sensory experience.

What inspires your work – are there particular themes, emotions or moments in life you  are drawn to?  
The Australian Landscape is my greatest source of inspiration It is the colour that really captivates me. I truely love the diversity of this country from the burnt red orange rust tones of the outback, the lush greens and yellows of the countryside or the fabulous ever changing blues of the ocean. It’s like a smorgasbord tempting me like an all you can eat buffet as there is just so much to create and get inspiration from and I find myself constantly energised by its diversity. There’s always something new to capture and interpret in my own way.

How does it feel to have your art featured on The Block and The Block Shop?
It’s honestly been a dream come true. When I first started painting abstracts, I secretly hoped that maybe, one day, my work might be featured on The Block and The Block Shop. I never really thought it would happen though! So when two of my pieces were chosen for The Block: Phillip Island in 2024, and then again for The Block: Daylesford this year, I was completely blown away. Seeing my art on TV every week in the contestants’ interview rooms—big and bold—is such a surreal and exciting feeling. I still can’t quite believe it!

What materials and techniques do you use in your process? 
I mainly use acrylic paints because I love their versatility and quick drying time and it suits my spontaneous style. I also use pastels, charcoal, and pencils for mark-making and scribbles, which have become a bit of a signature for me. I often work in layers, building the piece up gradually. I might scratch into the surface, smear paint with a palette knife, or add unexpected pops of colour to keep the energy flowing.

Are there any rituals or routines you follow when creating?
Not really, I just jump in and see where the paint takes me! I’m very intuitive, so I don’t plan much before I start. Sometimes I don’t even know what I’m painting until it starts to emerge on the canvas.That said, I do like to have music playing in the background as it gets me into the zone. And because I usually paint landscapes, I’ll often have a rough idea if I’m leaning toward a beach, outback, or countryside theme.

 If your art had a soundtrack, what would it be? 
It would probably be a mix of energetic and emotional tunes—something with rhythm and feeling. Maybe some Aussie classics, or anything with a strong beat and a sense of freedom. Music that feels a little wild and a little grounded—just like my work.

Which fellow artists or creatives influence your style, and why? 
I have a huge love and respect for Australian artists. No matter where I travel or what I see overseas, I always find myself drawn back to the raw beauty and boldness of Australian art.  Fred Williams and John Olsen are two major influences for me. Their ability to take the landscape and express it in such abstract and expressive ways really spoke to me early on. They helped me see that you can capture the feeling of a place without painting it exactly as it is.

What does it mean to you when someone buys your work and hangs it in their home? 
I always feel so thrilled when someone buys my work and hangs it in their home. It is incredibly humbling and rewarding. I love the thought that what I have created speaks to someone and connects with them on an emotional level enough for them to purchase the work and proudly show the work in their home becoming part of their daily life.

To see more of Carolyne's work, click here.