Denise Smith
“Nature, Wildlife and Painting” are my passions! Pastels and Watercolour are my preferred mediums and occasionally acrylics, in which I love creating wildlife and nature artworks. I am transported to another place when I’m painting, and love every minute of the journey. The Yarra Valley is such an inspiring area in which to live. I believe this is my “little piece of heaven”.
Denise’s subjects and inspiration come from nature and wildlife - with favourite subjects being birds, animals, exotic species and indigenous species of Australia.
A realist painter, mainly using the mediums of pastel, oil and acrylic, lately experimenting with inks, watercolour and mixed media. Denise strives for individualism and capturing each animal or bird’s quirky personality.
Recent additions to the list of artworks are small Pen and Watercolour iconic scenes of the Yarra Valley.
Denise invites commissions in Pet Portraiture which is another passion. Recently Denise’s images have been transposed onto jewellery and these pieces are available as pendants or brooches.
Awards:
Mt. Evelyn & Yarra Valley Arts Society
2006 Best Oil/Acrylic - Eastern Grey Kangaroo
(oil)
2010 Highly Commended – Green & Gold Bell Frog (oil)
Best in Show – Can’t Get A Word In
(Pastel)
Inaugural Art Show “Off The Wall” – Warburton
2014 Best in Show – “Who Me?”– Tawny
Frogmouths (Pastel)
Exhibitions:
2014 Solo - Ray Oliver Gallery, Mont DeLancey, Wandin
2013 Yarra Valley Artists - group Art at Linden Gate, Yarra Glen
2012 Valley Painters - group Brumfield Winery, Seville
2010,2011, 2012 & 2014
Yarra Valley Open Studios - group
2007-8 Group Exhibition (Valley Painters) Oaks Winery, Yering
2003 Solo -RACV Country Club, Healesville
Publications
In 2009 Denise had her works and a demonstration piece published in the magazine “Artist’s Palette” which is published internationally. Denise’s artwork was featured on the cover of this magazine.
Associations/ Memberships:
WASA (Wildlife Artist’s Society of Australasia)
Yarra Valley Regional Tourism Association
Yarra Valley Arts
Mt. Evelyn & Yarra Valley Arts Society (held Voluntary Secretary’s position 4 years)
Zoos Victoria
Having been affected by the Black Saturday bushfires in February 2009, Denise took part in a special exhibition at Three Stories Gallery, Healesville.
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![]() Final White Bellied Sea Eagle - Kakadu |
![]() Aussie Mates |
![]() Timmy Turtle Inks&Acrykics_4jpeg. |
![]() Olive Backed Sunbird (Male) |
![]() Bee Eaters Pastel&Watercolour_6jp |
![]() Wildlife Sketch Final |
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![]() Tawny Frogmouths |
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![]() Happy not Yappy |
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![]() Helmeted Honey Eater |