Tess Bartholomew

Artist Interview

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

I paint with acrylic on canvas because it offers versatility and vibrancy, allowing me to layer textures and capture emotion quickly. It lets me bring ideas to life and express them in the moment, embracing spontaneity and creativity.

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

I create my abstract pieces intuitively, beginning with a chosen colour palette and allowing the paint to flow organically on the canvas. While the process remains spontaneous, my work often draws inspiration from real locations or memories. I exaggerate colours and shadows, reimagining them in ways that enhance the composition, creating pieces that feel both dreamlike and emotionally resonant.

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

I work from my home studio in the Adelaide foothills, where I grew up and developed a deep connection with the surrounding environment. This connection is a central influence in my artwork, which is often inspired by the trees and hills that shape this landscape. Their presence informs my compositions, infusing my pieces with a sense of place and grounding.