Vibrant watercolour entitled 'Borneo 6' by Australian artist Jennifer Tyers, who currently on a residency in Japan.

'Borneo 8' watercolour by Australian artist Jennifer Tyers

'Borneo 15' watercolour by Jennifer Tyers

We recently discovered the beautiful work of  Australian artist Jennifer Tyers, who has spent time living and working in Singapore, Borneo and is currently in Japan.  We were instantly smitten!  Jennifer's vibrant watercolours, inspired by her lush surroundings appear hyperreal and almost Utopian (especially from where we sit in the midst of a dark Melbourne winter!).

Jennifer is originally from Tasmania, and studied at the University of Tasmania School of Art, majoring in Illustration and Design, with a strong focus also on printmaking. After spending some time living in Melbourne upon completing her studies, Jennifer had the opportunity to live for a time in Singapore, which initially inspired her series of drawings and paintings made 'en plein air' at the Singapore Botanic Gardens.  From there, she went to Borneo, later taking up a residency at Morning Glory Guesthouse in Kuching. She has since been based between Borneo and Singapore, and is currently on a residency in Kofu, Japan.

Jennifer enjoys immersing herself in the landscape, and painting her surroundings from life.   'Making landscapes is very interesting, as every time it is a challenge' she says. 'It somehow seems more 'pure' than making works in a studio, or any other kind of work that I have done. Maybe it's the process, or just being away from everything a studio has in it - books, internet, radio, music, people, objects, stuff I like. You have only yourself, and colours and what you see'.

Jennifer's recent works highlight the subtle aesthetic differences between the lush jungles of Borneo, the meticulous plantings in Singapore's Botanic Gardens, and now the softer palette of Japanese flora. 'It's tricky as the colours here (Kofu) seem more soft and gentle' she muses, adding 'the town seems more gentle too'.

Jennifer Tyers is represented by Edwina Corlette gallery in Brisbane. (Ooohhh actually I spy some super beautiful and very affordable works on paper by Jennifer in Edwina Corlette's Stockroom right now - dangerous!).

'Borneo 5' watercolour by Jennifer Tyers

'Singapore Gardens 2' watercolour by Jennifer Tyers

'Singapore Gardens 14' watercolour by Jennifer Tyers