Oil Painting
Toni Ware
Toni Ware is an Australian fine artist who combines a loose, expressionist technique with the application of intense detail to her work to achieve a realism style. Working exclusively with oils, her art is deeply symbolic, often representing societal observations, relationships, connections to and poignant memories of places and moments in time.
Artist Profile
Toni Ware is an Australian fine artist who combines a loose, expressionist technique with the application of intense detail to her work to achieve a realism style. Working exclusively with oils, her art is deeply symbolic, often representing societal observations, relationships, connections to and poignant memories of places and moments in time.
Toni Ware is an Australian fine artist who combines a loose, expressionist technique with the application of intense detail to her work to achieve a realism style. Working exclusively with oils, her art is deeply symbolic, often representing societal observations, relationships, connections to and poignant memories of places and moments in time. The capture of light, dramatic shadows and fun, pops of colour are often showcased against neutral tones. Toni describes influences on her work as Cézanne, Caravaggio, Repin, Moynihan, Preston, and Beckett. She lives with her husband and three young, adult children in Brisbane and can also often be found exploring the beaches and headlands of Lennox Head, Northern NSW.
Artist Interview
What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?
Oil on fine textured canvas or wood panel because I love the richness of the oil colours and being able to mix and blend my work as I go. I use smooth surfaces to enhance blending and glazing.
How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?
I am constantly inspired by visuals in the world around me. It could be as simple shadow or the way the light is captured or reflected by an object that spurs a creative exploration. Sometimes I have a narrative that I wish to express and assemble objects in a still life to design the concept further. From initial concept, I assemble works, use photography and compose sketches. I often complete small painted studies to assess composition and colour balance prior to deciding on the scale and dimension of the work. Most works, depending on the size, take between 3 – 6 weeks to complete. I apply multiple layers and once work is dry (and finished) I go back and retouch.
Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?
I work from a studio at my home which overlooks my garden and has lots of natural light.
Career Highlights
- Highly Commended, 2024 Lethbridge Small Scale Exhibition
- Exhibiting Finalist 2025 Rotary Brisbane Art Show
- Finalist 2024 Clayton Utz Art Prize
