Local Artist: Rachel Rae

The ocean is life, love and inspiration for artist Rachel Rae. 

To look at her paintings is to see into the very soul of Rachel Rae; a soul that is shaped by and at the service of the wide, beautiful sea. 

Her works are vivid and strong, painted with perceptible strokes, impressionistic but lively. 

“Bright, energetic and painterly,” Rae offers as a description. “I focus on movement, pattern and colour and also love how the loose marks and happy mistakes bring the works to life.”

The ocean is always at the centre of her work, depicted in all its iterations of temperament and aesthetic: cold, brooding, vivacious, frisky, majestic. 

Rae’s creative instincts come care of her family genes. 

“Creativity was the family norm growing up — opera singers, dancers, painters, a harpist, designers, theatre makers, and my mum’s a ceramicist. I was always encouraged to pursue my passions, and creativity was always viewed as not only worthwhile but an essential life pursuit,” Rae tells Neighbourhood Media.  

The Melbourne born artist spent a lot of her youth exploring the rugged, stunning coastlines of Victoria along the famous Great Ocean Road. She eventually made the bold decision to move to Sydney.

“I moved to Sydney from Melbourne thinking I would last 6 months yet 20 years later I’m still here!” says Rae.  

After establishing a career in the publishing industry she took time off to travel overseas.

“Having the luxury of being away allowed my brain the space and time to imagine and play at bringing all my ideas to life,” says Rae. 

In 2018, Rae moved to Spain and it was here that her artistic practice truly came to fruition. Having freedom to create, imbuing rich cultural history, and being surrounded by stunning vistas were the catalysts for a focused new determination to pursue art. 

Rae returned to Sydney in 2020. While she continues to work in media, she prioritises time for her art, observing nature’s wonders and committing the images to canvas in her attic studio.

With a home in the Eastern Suburbs, Rae is in close proximity to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches.

“I’ve travelled all around the world, but nothing compares.  We’re so incredibly lucky to have such a stunning coastline on our doorstep and I’m always in awe...Whenever I’m feeling jittery with life, a walk or a swim always puts me back on track.” 

While her paintings invariably feature some aspect of the ocean, they are far from repetitive. As an observer, Rae is inquisitive, discerning, analytical; her paintings reveal a fascination with movement and relationships. Each painting captures a moment in time, but not in a documentary sense — as with a photograph — but in a more ethereal, visceral sense. 

“The blues, the movement and the expansive energy of the coast,” Rae says, explaining why she loves painting the ocean. “It’s where we go to connect, enjoy life and recharge.” 

With their vivid colours and delightful scenes, Rae’s paintings are aesthetically pleasing and accessible. She also has a slew of awards to attest to their critical appeal. 

Rae has painted beach scenes all along the eastern coast; her works feature iconic vistas and landmarks such as the Byron Bay lighthouse; the coastal boardwalk near Bronte; Nielson Park baths; the Northern Beaches, and of course, the Eastern Suburbs beaches. 

“Painting for me is about immersing myself in those small, meaningful moments and living here gives me endless inspiration,” says Rae. 

A true local, Rae has a few favourite places she likes to visit for a bite, a brew or a dip.

“Pool Café Maroubra for the views, Spanish Fly in the Spot Randwick for a taste of Spain, and ocean swims — Mahon Pool is a favourite.”

Is there anything that could make life better? 

“I really wish my dog was allowed to join me on the beach…” 

www.rachelraeart.com.au