100 Artworks for a Koala entry by Christelle GREY. Title: ‘Another one Saved‘ – oil on Belgian linen
100 Artworks for a Koala entry by Christelle GREY. Title: ‘Firefighter in Sight‘ – oil on Belgian linen
Christelle GREY
Artist based in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia.
100 Artworks for a Koala two entries :
Title 1 : ‘Another One Saved’ | Size: 41cm w x 31cm h | Medium: oil on Belgian linen
“Without human intervention, koalas will become extinct in the wild by 2050. The koala population was reduced by devastating numbers during the 2019-2020 bushfires, and a quarter of their habitat was destroyed. This painting depicts one of our amazing frontline workers, but we can all choose to do our part and have positive impact. We must take action now to save these beautiful iconic animals.” Christelle Grey
Title 2: ‘Firefighter in Sight‘ | Size: 58cm w x 40cm w | Medium: oil on Belgian linen
“The 2019–2020 Australian bushfire season, colloquially known as the Black Summer, has been unprecedented in extent, intensity, and devastation. It is estimated that a billion animals died, including approximately two thirds of New South Wales’s koala population and half of Kangaroo Island’s koala population. Firefighters saved as many animals as they could, and some koalas have been nursed back to health and released back into the wild. My portrait is of one of the lucky ones, with the reflection of a saviour firefighter in the koala’s eye.“ Christelle Grey
Artist bio
Christelle Grey’s vivid colours and textures will transport you to moments in the lives of animals and people around the world. Born in South Africa, her favourite subjects are the beloved wildlife from her memories of the African bushveld, as well as the unique animal characters of Australia where she now lives. Christelle embarked on her self-guided exploration of art fifteen years ago after a career of teaching young children, including two of her own. She began her artistic journey with the convenience of watercolours and in more recent years has preferred the challenges of oils.
You can find Christelle enjoying life with her husband in a tranquil Victorian era home in Australia’s beautiful vineyard region of the Hunter Valley. Being creative makes her truly happy and she enjoys being able to bring to life beautiful portraits from quality fine art materials. Christelle’s paintings can be found bringing a splash of joy in local art galleries and homes around the world.
Artist statement
“I’m inspired by texture, and approach a subject to paint by imagining how it feels. I have predominantly been using oils in recent years and enjoy building up a portrait gradually with thin layers, often over the course of a few weeks. I tend to work on a few paintings at a time to allow for drying time between layers.
I work from photos and prefer using my own as they are connected to memories. I find the subjects’ eyes are usually the focus and soul of my paintings, with the biggest challenge being to give them life with accurate shape, shadows, reflections and highlights. Sometimes the eye alone can end up as an entire separate painting.
I feel strongly about using good quality art materials that will stand the test of time. At the same time, I don’t hesitate to use a variety of tools to achieve the effect that I want. Fingers are excellent for softening lines in soft fur and I modify some brushes with thinning scissors for painting fine hairs. I once painted an entire painting with a cheap make-up brush.” Christelle Grey
Artist contact
instagram: @christelle.grey
www.christellegrey.com
© INGHAM Barry
© HENDERSON Beric