Acrylic Painting
Sharon Hunjas
Subjects | Abstract, Expressionism, Landscape, Modern, Painting, Still Life
Sharon Hunjas, a Brisbane-based artist, has a healthy obsession for palm trees, breeze blocks, and beach shacks, which has led to a unique and quirky collection of artworks. She finds inspiration in urban and beachside streets, drawing from elements like 60s fibro shacks, rundown workers' cottages, and breezy banana palms.
She paints from her sunroom studio at her home in New Farm. Working with acrylics, charcoal and pencil on either board or canvas using many layers of paint, playing with translucency and experimenting with mark making.
A creative background and a work history in architectural antiques has contributed to a contemporary style with a vintage feel in terms of her work and use of colour.
The aim of Sharon's art is to convey a happy, feel good and positive emotion for the viewer while invoking images of remembered places.
“Whether you succeed or not is irrelevant, there is no such thing. Making your unknown known is the important thing.” – Georgia O’Keeffe
What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?
I work with acrylics, charcoal, and pastels, depending on what suits a particular artwork. I like the fast-drying feature of acrylic paint. I work in layers and enjoy experimenting with mark making techniques. I prefer to paint on board as I feel more confident scraping and scratching back into the surface of the work. I enjoy the beauty of imperfections.
How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?
I am a constant doodler and always have a small sketch book with me. I take lots of photos when out and about of objects, shapes and colour combinations. I would then sketch out a rough idea and colour it in quickly at home. I use this study as a reference. I like to start a new artwork when I know I have lots of time. When I get in the zone, I do not want to stop. I sometimes have a couple of paintings on the go, if one starts giving me trouble, I can move onto the other.
Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?
I work in the sunroom of our apartment. We are in a gorgeous Art Deco building. It has lovely natural light and looks out to the street below. It is great people watching when I am stuck for inspiration. I like to have music, or podcasts going most of the time, or sometimes work quietly until I start to feel things coming together with the work and then the music kicks in. All depends how I am feeling on the day.
Career Highlights
- 2025 Finalist ART to ART Unearthed artist Prize
- 23/24 Small works exhibition The Side Gallery
- 2022 Finalists JADA Prize Grafton Regional Gallery
