Rachel Melchers
My work is inspired by the natural environment - from the bush to the beach. I love the feeling of being immersed in nature, to feel connected to the earth and the elements. Inspiration usually comes incidentally - when walking or driving - little details or vast vistas catch my eye with their unique pattern, colour or form. Painting is a form of mindful meditation for me, a place I lose myself in the process and feel connected to something greater than myself.
I predominantly paint landscapes and still life studies, with a focus on our unique Australian environment. My landscapes evolve from my memory of a particular place - not just the visual elements but the whole sensory experience and my emotional response to that moment in time. At some point during their creation, the painting takes on a life of its own and becomes more about the painting itself than any direct representation.
Layering is an important element of my work and I use a variety of materials and implements to build up interesting textures and effects. For larger works, I favour oil paint on canvas or board with foundation layers built up with acrylic underpainting and occasionally collage. I use palette knives, brushes (sometime homemade), rags and squeegees to apply paint.
Rachel Melchers Online Exhibition, June 2025.
Rachel Melchers, The Corner Store Gallery.