Narelle Zeller

#hashtagartmag @narellezeller #oilportrait #classicalrealism #figurativerealism

Through my paintings, I invite you to look

#statement closer with me into the extraordinary beauty

of the human condition and our environment.

#bio

Narelle Zeller is an Australian contemporary realist artist, best known for her highly detailed figurative portraiture paintings. Narelle achieved her art education by way of completing workshops and mentorship programs with world-renowned artists, working primarily in oils. Narelle has been a finalist in multiple prestigious national and international awards such as The Darling Portrait Prize, The Lester Prize, The Shirley Hannan National Portrait Award and the International Arc Salon. Her work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally.

#process

Each painting begins with a visual idea often inspired by a specific subject that entertains me long enough to act on it. When I go into the photo shoot stage I leave the idea open to embrace new opportunities that present on the day with personality, environment, light and form. Choosing reference images and planning composition, size and colour can be a time consuming part of my process but I like to spend time resolving any foreseeable issues and gaining a firm understanding of my goals for the artwork before painting.

Each piece begins with detailed drawing before applying multiple layers of oil paint and glazing. Even having a developed starting plan, the artwork grows in unexpected ways through the painting process through intuitive and emotional responses.

#ultimate goal

To be authentic with each piece and paint what inspires me naturally without trying to follow trends or what will sell. With each painting I enjoy the pursuit of new challenges and strive to reach new heights. I hope to make each piece better than the last.

As well as a rewarding challenge, painting is a meditation and a chance for me to take the time to look closer. The involved realist process offers me a unique connection to each of my subjects that I strive to reflect back in each piece. I hope that others will look closely with me and connect too.

#concept

Often a bit quirky, my paintings offer a positive, curious and sometimes slightly humorous look into our collective human experience and the world we live in. I aim to convey an authentic representation of each of my subjects and enjoy infusing personal as well as universal narratives within each piece, typically blurring the lines between portraiture and figurative genres.

Do you ever venture out of your creative process to try out new things?

Yes I do. I am primarily a figurative painter, however I have also been enjoying exploring still life subjects and the connections between people, objects and nature. I experiment with different surfaces, mediums, palettes and techniques to continue learning as an artist and keep the process fresh and interesting.

Narelle Zeller DARLING PORTRAIT PRIZE

https://www.portrait.gov.au/exhibitions/darling-portrait-prize-2020

INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/narellezeller

ARTSY https://www.artsy.net/artist/narelle-zeller