Thomas Cain

Artist Interview

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

I primarily work with acrylic on stretched canvas. Acrylic allows me to paint quickly, build and scrape back layers, and keep the surface active. Texture is central to my practice, I use thickness and raw marks to give weight and presence to forms. I do not varnish my paintings. Natural ageing is accepted as part of the work and contributes to its character over time.

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

My paintings begin without sketches, often responding to natural shapes or moments that catch my attention. I reduce these ideas into simple forms and colour relationships, working directly on the canvas. Each layer dries at its own pace, guiding how the work develops. A painting is finished when it feels balanced and resolved while still holding a sense of risk.

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

I work from a small studio in Melbourne and often paint outside in my backyard when conditions allow. My setup is uncomplicated, acrylics, canvas, and a handful of worn tools. Most works are created at scales around 60 × 60 cm or 120 × 90 cm, allowing space for layering and gestural movement without losing clarity.