Marine life

Luxury Whitsunday Resort Hangs Samantha Beau Originals

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As an artist you always want that “BIG” gig, the one that gives you world class exposure and traffic.

My opportunity came 18 months ago when I was asked to paint two pieces for the refurbishing of luxury hotel, Coral Sea Resort in Airlie Beach, gateway to Australia’s premier islands, The Whitsunday Islands.

The brief was for two pieces, both using charcoals and subdued tones, a particular red and reflecting the reef.

Obviously the less ambiguous the better however this request did through me for a brief moment.

I presented a few concepts trying to artistically capture what was within the interior designers mind.

Finally we got there. Two large abstract pieces, flowing in nature, indicative of the Great Barrier Reef with it’s channels and bright flecks of iridescent blue.

Coral Sea REsort
Commission

The resort is amazing fringed along the foreshore leading from the main port to the Coral Sea Marina.

The Rocks is a pool bar that offers music with the setting sun, a cracking wine list and bar style food. I recommend staying at the resort but if you can’t stop by for a Sunday session and watch the sun go down after exploring my art works.

The first of Mystics are in the board room and the second you will find on the second floor by the lift.

I have a third piece in the hotel and my favourite by far.

I painted it to reflect the reef and water and was my submission for the 2019 Luxembourg Art Awards.

The Great Barrier Reef Samantha Beau
140 x 170
Commission

You will find this beauty in suite 201 which is a grand room with views over the Coral Sea, islands, pool and with it’s own gallery.

The resort is uplifting and the spa rooms amazing. I highly recommend staying and exploring the region and my art works.

Click here to make a booking and click here to follow me on instagram.

NFTs – My next move and why

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This is an invitation to be involved with a very exciting project – a fundraising Non Fungible Token NFT event!

As the world adjusts to VOID-19 the rest of us “planet and art” makers are adjusting to NFTs, Blockchains and how to create art for this space.

My preferences for “art mediums” have been oils due to their vibrant colours, acrylics for their dancing like qualities and fast drying and pastels for their stunning simplicity and complexity. And now as I daydream out to sea I want to add digital art as my next challenge and medium.

I mean… why not?

My street chalks are very much along the lines of Banksy and Lushsux works.

I get the sense of “living on the edge” when I draw them.

I love the depth and forgiving nature that chalks offer me.

I love the access to foot traffic and being able to make a big impact in the media.

So sliding into NFTs for my street chalks makes sense.

Gold Coast Bulletin 2019

Many of the projects I have done have been community minded, raising awareness and engagement from passer-bys and those seeing my art in the media and on the news.

I have a few ideas brewing in my soul at the moment. One centred around two organisations that I have volunteered for involving the hump back whale and koala.

If you have any interest in this space, I invite you to join in my journey as I discover more about NFTs, blockchains and tokens.

If you are interested in investing in my first NFT please reach out now. Send me an email.

Otherwise join my insta page and I will post my progress there.

Sam 🙂

Twin Fish Swimming

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Twin Fish Swimming

You know when you start seeing the same image often – well that was me with the twin fish.

A few weeks ago, I started seeing fish everywhere.

Possibly it is the Pisces connection as well.

Swimming in the ocean, on the wall and on dish plates.

This abstract is about two fish that are swimming in harmony exploring the world.

Oil on canvas

Pine float framed

53.5cm x 53.5cm

Glover Art Prize 2021 – Clear Water, Nibbalin

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I am very excited to have submitted by entry for this year’s Tasmanian art prize, the Glover Art Prize.

Growing up in Hobart I spent hours day dreaming and playing in the Clear Water, Nibbalin.

The River Derwent was named by John Hayes in 1793 and means clear water. It was however originally named by our First Nations People thousands of years before.

Nibbalin was one of its names. Nibbalin has been my playground and visual reminder of the beauty of living in Hobart.

The painting is a tribute to the great water mass that thousands of people and animals have enjoyed over time and it’s seductive hold is has over many.

The smell of the ocean air rising up from it’s back, the grumbling of it’s belly, the hypnotic beauty on a clear, crisp day. Nibbalin you have hypnotised me and I love you.

Samantha Beau

Artist

The 12 Days of Endangered Australian Species

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Recently I heard Riley Elliott, Shark Scientist, talking about sharks and the bad rap they get but they are starting to become endangered!

It got me thinking, maybe it’s time for another street chalk and to see if I could get people to fall in love with sharks!

I started off with one shark, then decided to do the 12 Days of Australian Endangered Species.

The piece took 3 days all up and so far has gathered lots of interest. Cars stopping, cars driving past honking, people walking past stopping to say hello. I even had two boys today stop in and join in.

These are a few of Australia’s endangered species and their stories.

Mako Shark

This large fish is so graceful yet it’s dark eyes look almost blank. It’s a super fast fish.

They consume about 3% of their body weight a day and considering they are a large shark that’s a lot. They eat big fish tuna, swordfish etc and sometimes other sharks, porpoises, sea turtles and seabirds. They hunt by swimming below their prey then lunge upwards!

More on the Mako here. To see an incredible photo with Riley Elliott Shark Scientist click here.

 

The Derwent River Starfish

I grew up with these star fish being scattered along the beach, thick in numbers and quite tenacious. We would often throw them back and most would survive. Unfortunately other star fish have been introduced and now The Derwent River Starfish is endangered.

More on them here.

 

Hawksbill Turtle

Turtles are so ancient and majestic. I have always loved the way they swim and roam. I sometimes wonder if I am more turtle or mermaid! This lovely turtle is found mostly in shallow lagoons. It’s shell will change colour with different temperatures and unfortunately these beauties are on the “critically endangered” list!

More on them here. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/h/hawksbill-sea-turtle/

 

Orange Bellied Parrot

These beauties are native to South Australia but predominately breed in Tasmania. They are also on the critical endangered list. More here http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Neophema-chrysogaster

 

Spotted Handfish

This incredible fish is critically endangered. There is less than 100 left. Living in Tasmania you can read more about them here. It has been reduced in numbers due to invading species, habitat changes and heavy metals!

https://australianmuseum.net.au/learn/animals/fishes/spotted-handfish-brachionichthys-hirsutus-lacepede-1804/

 

Grey Nurse Shark

This shark used to rule the seas but commercial fishing and hunting of the animal has left numbers dwindling around only 1000! This has major ramifications on the other animals in the sea. Read more here

 

Murray River Cod

This huge, elegant cod has lived in the Murray River Basin way before Australian settlement. Unfortunately fishing of this beast lead to decreased numbers and lately the drying up of the Murray River Basin due to negligent political policy has lead to this fish now being on the endangered list!

People can act and more information is here.

Black Throated Finch

This darling creature was suggested by a follower on face book. Well I can say I have found this dear little bird delightful and of course worthy of us saving. It’s greatest threat is deforestation and planet warming. More information here.

 

Bramble Cay Melomys

Unfortunately this beautiful Queensland based marsupial is now extinct. This is why we need to act! Humans can never regenerate an animal once it is gone.

More on this lovely animal here.

 

Margaret River Burrowing Crayfish

This bright chirpy crayfish is only found in Margaret River and only 5cm in length. Find out more here

Southern Snapping Turtle

This little guy is found mainly in Queensland is on the critically endangered list. Whilst not as good looking as other endangered animals, this one is being decimated due to cows trampling on nests and foxes seeking out eggs. More information found here. 

This shy little Aussie critter is nocturnal (only comes out at night) and is found all around Australian. They can climb trees and live in little dens. Unfortunately numbers are dwindling and they need urgent intervention. More information here.

The Full Piece

Organisations To Support

The Alice Prize

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Alice Springs – nestled in the middle of Australia is the palpable heart beat of the nation.

I had to enter the prestigious art prize, The Alice Prize.

This is my entry, Green Turtle.

It is a mix of pastels and varnish.

Height 40.5 cm x 51 cm.

Available for purchase at $650 AUD.

The art prize will be on show in Alice Springs at the Araluen Gallery from 28th April – 17th June 2018.