Painting

Justin Lees

Justin Lees, Born 1981, lives and works in Mulubinba / Newcastle, Australiarn

Artist Profile

Justin Lees, a Newcastle-based painter, sculptor, designer, and photographer, is known for his evocative abstract expressionist style that has captured the attention of collectors in Australia and internationally. His work, marked by vibrant colours, bold brushstrokes, and textured layers, draws viewers into explorations of memory, nature, and human emotion. Self-taught and highly introspective, Lees has held over ten solo exhibitions since 2004, each showcasing his distinctive visual language that blends the harmony and chaos of life.

After a brief hiatus from full-time painting between 2008 and 2014, Lees returned in 2019 as the Artist in Residence at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI). There, he produced works inspired by scientific exploration, a milestone that revitalised his career and led to sold-out exhibitions and growing recognition among collectors and critics. In 2023, he expanded his artistic practice further with a successful solo exhibition, including a self-published book and a documentary with an original score, underscoring his skill in merging creative forms into a cohesive narrative.

Looking ahead, Lees will embark on an international residency in France in December 2024, exploring the integration of soundscapes into his visual art. This opportunity will allow him to evolve his multi-sensory approach and share his work on a global stage. A finalist in the 2024 Gosford Art Prize and Newcastle Club Foundation Art Prize, Lees remains an artist on the rise, with works in private collections across Australia, New Zealand, England, and Europe. His continual experimentation in abstract forms and storytelling cements his place as an artist to watch.

Artist Interview

What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?

I work mostly in oil, however I use acrylic, spray paint, pastels, charcoal etc to build layers and add features. I love working with oil, how you can manipulate the paint and the textures of the finished product.

How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?

Usually I will find a concept to base my works on, from there I will either search or photograph reference materials. start with some sketches, ideas in my visual diary. From there I create a playlist to go along with the works, and usually let that play a major role in the colour pallet and the intensity of the brush strokes. I recall an interview the singer from my favourite band once said that during the recording process of his vocals, he covers the walls with pictures of his favourite singers, or the singers he wants to channel in process. I kind of do the same and cover parts of the studio with print outs of my favourite artists works, or works that i'm finding inspiring at the particular time. Over time these may change up a bit as well as some of the songs on the playlist.

Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?

I have a small studio close by to my house which is great. I've dubbed it "The Hell Hole", its small, and gets very hot in the middle of summer. It has a red velvet armchair, and a couple of stools. Art books and magazines. A small little boombox on a side table. a fold up table in the middle and canvas on all 4 walls around me.