How long have you lived on the Northern Beaches?
Four years. I moved from Scotland after falling in love with Australia.
What’s your favourite beach and why?
Collins Beach – it’s paradise.
How would you describe your art?
My work is an ode to the ocean. It pushes the boundaries of traditional painting with its changing colours, sculpted textures and light. I am told the unique perspectives of my art connects people to places special to them and also that it generates intrigue as to how they’re created.
What inspired your cover artwork?
The cover is a depiction of Shelly Beach, which is a very special place to me and others for many reasons, especially those who do the Bold and Beautiful swim although I have to admit I’m not at that standard of swimming yet! This piece was inspired by a crystal clear sunny morning. I sat by the boat ramp with my drone enjoying a coffee while soaking up the early morning rays and the buzz from the swimmers coming out of the water. It’s the first time I’ve ever attempted to paint Shelly Beach because I knew it would be a complex piece to execute and I wanted to wait until I’d mastered a few more techniques to really do it justice.
What is your favourite part of the artistic process?
Not being able to sleep because I’ve found inspiration in images I’ve taken and then anxiously waiting for the last layers of my artwork to dry; the paint dries to a completely different colour from when it’s wet. There is immense satisfaction in painting intuitively. Having faith in the process and then knowing I’ve got it right when I excitedly rush back into the studio the next morning to see brings me joy.
What is your favourite medium to work with?
I have endlessly tested and researched a mix of traditional fine art materials, chemical reactions and layers. Each of my paintings comprises of over 10 different mediums and a minimum of 20 layers.
Did you study art?
Nope, but if I had it wouldn’t have led me to where I am now.
How did you discover you had a gift for art?
I’ve always been creative, but it was Covid that pushed me to seek happiness outside of endless Zoom meetings and lockdown blues. After selling out at my first Manly Markets, I realised I had something.
What else are you working on at the moment?
I’ve just moved into a massive new warehouse and this has opened the door to a lot more opportunities including exhibitions, workshops and space to work on even larger pieces. I’m expanding my range of phone cases, prints, textiles and working on a new collection of artworks which I hope to exhibit in July.
What’s your favourite thing about what you do?
Aside from the euphoria and escapism I feel when painting, there will never be a feeling that gets close to the joy and pride I feel when I hand over artwork to new owners and witness their reactions.
What do you see, or would like to see, in the future of the Beaches art scene?
More collaboration and exhibition opportunities for artists starting out which is exactly what I plan to do with my new space.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
Hard work and a good attitude will get you anywhere.
Any other words of wisdom for our readers?
I understand it’s not easy or always possible to make life changing decisions, but you literally only have one life, why not do everything you can to make it a happy one?
How can people buy and support your art?
Come and see me at Manly Markets. I’m there every Sunday. You can see more of my work at www.montanamooreart.com and by following @montana_moore_art