Artist profile
Annabel
Warne
Annabel Warne is an artist based in Melbourne. She works primarily in oil paint from her studio in Cremorne, often accompanied by her bulldog, Gravy.
Annabel paints to capture tender moments and fleeting encounters—scenes that speak to the connections between humans, animals, and the landscape. Through a palette of soft, atmospheric hues and gestural brushstrokes, her work evokes the emotional resonance of these interactions, inviting reflection, stillness, and a sense of calm.
Career Highlights
- Nation Emerging Art Prize 2024 (Finalist)
Artist Interview
What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?
I work with oil paint for its fluidity and emotive quality. It's a forgiving medium—expressive, responsive, and well-suited to capturing mood and movement.
How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?
I begin with ultramarine, sketching draft lines directly onto the canvas. I love drawing with paint—it helps me work out the composition intuitively. From there, I build a loose first layer, followed by a thicker, more fluid application of paint.
Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?
My studio is a sacred space for creation—a place I share with two other painters, and a constant source of joy. The ceilings are high, the floorboards are layered with paint, and the old windows rattle in the breeze. From early afternoon until sunset, sunlight pours in, filling the room with shifting light. My favourite time of day is just before sunset, when the whole space is bathed in a golden glow.
