Painted Places

In April and May 2026, I embarked on my first international trip, and my first time travelling solo. Over six weeks, I visited 12 countries: France, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, Czechia, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, Scotland and England.

Travelling with only a sketchbook, drawing supplies and a small set of watercolours, I made drawings and paintings whenever I could. When time or circumstance didn't allow, I photographed scenes and details that I knew I wanted to revisit. Along the way, I explored historic cities, stood before artworks I had studied for years, experienced new cultures and met people who shaped the journey in unexpected ways.

Back in my Melbourne studio, I transformed these sketches, watercolour studies and photographs into a series of intimate 8 × 10 inch oil paintings. From these, I selected the strongest compositions to develop into larger-scale works.

This collection is a visual diary of Europe in 2026, capturing not only the places I travelled, but the moments of wonder, observation and connection that have remained with me long after returning home.