Acrylic Painting
Sharon Rynehart
Subjects | Oceans, Landscape, Impressionism, Seascapes
Sharon Rynehart is an impressionist palette knife artist based in Canberra recognised for her emotive, colour-rich captures of the sea land and sky. Her works seek to capture moments of reflection, light, and hope, resonating deeply with collectors worldwide, inspiring calm and connection through their uplifting sense of place and emotion.
Available to Bid
Artist Profile
Sharon Rynehart is an impressionist palette knife artist recognised for her flowing, expressive style of the sea, land and sky. A former Interior Designer and Colour Consultant, Sharon had health issues that saw her turn to painting for therapy and healing.
Transforming her creative practice into what she calls ‘heartwork’; emotive, hope-fuelled pieces inspired by faith, nature, and the beauty of our Australian coastlines and landscapes. She uses her background in colour theory to create beautiful colour harmonies, painting original artworks that allow you to reflect on your own story; to finish the train of thought, to remember a time or place, and to explore and feel the emotions they instil. Artworks that are relatable, that invite you to reflect, force an exhale, evoke a sense of calm…and bring you hope.
Now widely collected both in Australia and Internationally, she’s enjoyed recent success as a Finalist in Art to Art’s acclaimed “Unearthed” Art Prize. She’s also been fortunate to have several of her artworks featured on Channel 9’s “The Block”, and her work featured in Grand Designs Australia Magazine.
Sharon’s pieces continue to be sought after, a reminder to always look for light and hope…no matter the trials and challenges we all face.
"…painting stories evoking light and hope".
Sharon Rynehart’s Portfolio
What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?
I work wet in wet technique with acrylic impastos and flow paints. The combination of the two fuse beautifully on the canvas when applied with my palette knives – I love the unexpected harmonies and textures the sweep of the knives creates.
How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?
I don't overthink concepts. I don't always have a vision when I begin a painting. And I don't work from photos. It's more about how I'm feeling which determines what colours I paint with at the time. My memory bank is overflowing of past holiday moments: growing up on the water on my dad's boat; coastal camping holidays; endless days at the beach as a kid; and now holidays with my own kids. When I paint, it's usually the artwork itself that then evokes one particular memory over another. So often I look at the finished artwork and say 'oh, that's that particular beach…' and a flood of emotions and more memories come rushing back. My artworks just come to life in their own way at their own pace.
Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?
I work from a light filled little studio at home. Being a mum to 3 it's always busy, even though they're older now, so artist life revolves around school drop offs and pick ups, appointments, my ongoing weekly physio, etc. I snatch studio time when I can. When I haven't painted in a couple of days I start to get irritable and just go out to my studio and close the door, put some music or a podcast on, and the family know not to interrupt me!
Tell us a bit about your story and how you came to be an artist
I lost use of the right side of my upper body a few years ago and had to give up my interior design career. As a form of rehab and physio I was encouraged to pick up a brush to help regain movement – which quickly became the palette knife – and I haven't looked back since.
How would you describe your creative process?
I don't overthink my work. If I'm in the mood for certain colours or a vision or memory pops into my head that I need to get on canvas I just go for it. I don't plan. I prime all my canvases in various background colours so when the urge hits I can quickly grab a canvas and palette knife and bring it to life.
What inspires you?
So many things. The clouds moving across the sky, the waves breaking against shoreline, the rustle of trees, the light refracting through waters, the sunrises and sunsets…all evoking a sense of calm and quiet I want to echo on a canvas.
How would you describe your artistic style?
Modern impressionist
What message and emotion do you hope to convey with your work?
Light and hope. There's always light. Always hope. Some days it's harder to see, especially in dark times and painful trials – we just have to make a conscious choice to look for it.
Career Highlights
- Several artworks featured on The Block TV Show
- Artwork feature in Grand Designs Australia magazine
- Finalist "Unearthed" Art Prize 2025
