Original art by Amelia Oates

50×50cm

Acrylic on stretched canvas

A fun capture at a recent gathering on the river at beautiful Vivonne Bay. Kids exploring and being free while kayaking on the river.

Acrylic on canvas 40×30cm

Jumping into the ocean incites so much joy. This piece captures the elation and sense of freedom during the simple act of launching yourself into the sea.

Acrylic on canvas 40×30cm

Sitting on a cliff watching the gulls and terns play in the wind and dive for fish is something I love to do. Sometimes if one of my children was with me, I’d come up with names and develop stories about each bird to make the scene more entertaining for them. The name of this piece is inspired by this.

Acrylic on canvas 40×30cm

There are plenty of surf breaks around the island. While I don’t surf myself, I enjoy being at the beach and watching surfers play in the waves. Friends who surf tell me it’s like meditation.

Acrylic on canvas 50×40cm

Set in a white box frame

My husband and kids love catching crabs through summer. Either wading through shallow water racking or on the boat dropping in nets while fishing for whiting. Always a good feed for everyone but I think the catching is the best bit.

Acrylic on canvas 30×30cm

Set in a wooden box frame

When you live on an island there’s no shortage of ocean to play in. I love watching enjoy jetty jumping; sitting and staring at the ocean, building up the courage to jump the few meters below into the cool ocean. The many countdowns, occasional sibling push and build of courage with internal motivational self-talk before launching yourself into the air. Once that first jump is done almost impossible to get the kids out of the water.

Acrylic on canvas 30×40cm

Remnant of fun days exploring the rock pools and forgetting what the time is.

Acrylic on Canvas 40×30cm

The beautiful southern coast of Kangaroo Island. Where you go to clear your mind, watch the waves and relax, away from life pressures. A pink palette softening the raw rough environment just as the southern coast softens your worries.

Acrylic on canvas 30×30cm

Wooden box frame

Exploring rock hidden pools on a hot summer’s day at Vivonne Bay.

Acrylic on canvas 50×60cm

My daughter and her friend have a close connection. Whenever the two of them are together they always have a lot of catching up to do. This capture reminds me of the close bonds we have with people in our lives or the deep and meaningful, sometimes life changing conversations shared.

Acrylic on canvas 34×44 cm

My children and I used to sit and watch the wildlife on the rugged south coast of Kangaroo Island for entertainment. Seals have provided us with hours of fun, watching them swim through the waves, sleeping on rocks or the occasional dispute with another seal- siting in nature always inspires my practice.

Acrylic on canvas 30×30cm.

This piece was inspired by watching families at the beach over long hot summers. Packing up the car with enough food, beach toys, fishing gear and clothes for the whole day at the beach. Often meeting up with other families and enjoying the day, sometimes moving into the night together.

Acrylic on canvas 30×40cm

Inspired by days at the beach with the kids. Exploring and playing in the waves and using nature as a playground and forgetting about everyday responsibilities.

Acrylic on canvas 40×30cm

Solitary days fishing on lonely beaches.