Artist Statement

I drew and painted as a child in Germany, but it was during a three-year photography apprenticeship that I really learned to look. I awoke to the magic of light and the way in which it transforms shape and colour. I became tuned in to capturing the moment, and learned to appreciate that even the dullest of days and the most ordinary objects can be a source of beauty and transformation. Eventually I wanted to capture that wonder on canvas and began my painting journey. Physiotherapy gave me a good understanding of human anatomy to draw people. Retiring from my physiotherapy practice has given me the opportunity to devote myself energetically to the life of an artist. I have always been a ‘maker’. As a child I learned carpentry skills from my father and continue to enjoy making furniture and take a pride in making my own picture frames.  I trained and worked as a pilot which gives me a particular slant on landscape. Features can become small dots or take on a more significant perspective. A training pilot needs courage and I’m reminded of that when I push myself to take risks with my artwork. I have always been open to the new and the novel. I don’t confine myself to a particular style or subject matter but enjoy the cross fertilisation which occurs when I move between Realism and Impressionism, landscape and still life. Flowers continue to inspire me. Sometimes I like to push the colour pallet to increase the vibrancy and colour saturation.  An artist always depends on the influences of great masters.Of course, Monet was and is a strong influence and I love Van Gogh’s pronounced brushstrokes and his use of yellow (his happy colour). Hans Heysen’s knobbly gumtrees are a delight, but my favourite Henson is ‘Sewing, the Artist’s Wife’ - it radiates a sense of calm. Contemporary artists who have influenced my practice include American Artist, Erin Hanson. Hanson uses impasto brushstrokes to create movement. Her use of colour has the impact of lead light or mosaic.

Biography

Sabine Kehoe is a self-taught, award-winning artist, originally from Germany. At a young adult she immigrated to Australia, where she has since made her home. Now based in Toowoomba, Queensland, Sabine lives, works, and creates from her own art studio, which she established in 2015. A busy working mum, Sabine finds inspiration in everyday moments, often framing scenes from daily life with her paint brush.  Her background in professional photography has honed her eye for detail, lighting, and composition—elements that strongly inform her distinctive and finely detailed artistic style.

Influences

My painting is  influenced by a brought variety of masters, like Monet, Van Gogh, but also Edward Munch with his expressive art as well as  Errin Hanson with her bold statements of colour. I like a brought spectrum of art .

Awards

2024 Foothills Art Exhibition, Acrylic / Oil

Exhibitions

An active member of the Toowoomba Art Society, Sabine has exhibited widely. Her work has been showcased in a solo exhibition in Paddington, Brisbane, and in numerous group exhibitions at the Toowoomba Art Society. Her paintings have been selected multiple times as finalists in major art events, including the Brisbane Rotary Art Spectacular, the Brisbane Art Extravaganza, the Toowoomba Grammar School Art Show, Foothills Art exhibition, the Carnival of Flowers Exhibition, Downlands Art Exhibition, and Facets of Fairholme and held a solo exhibition at Gips in Toowoomba. 2023 Journeys, shared Exhibition at TAS with Catherine Ketton 2024 tranquil waters at gips Restaurant 2024 Artist Hand Toowoomba rep theatre 2024 Grammar Art Show 2024 Foothills Art Exhibition. 2025 finalist at Brisbane Rotary Art Spectacular

Website

https://sabinesart.com.au/