Jan Lawnikanis

Jan Lawnikanis

  • Artist’s Statement

    Art is such an important part of my life. The need to create is a strong force that is both stimulating and satisfying. I also enjoy the challenge of learning new skills and it is especially beneficial being able to pass on what I’ve learnt to students in the many art classes and workshops that I tutor.

    Painting florals in watercolour is my particular passion. I strive to create uplifting paintings of truth and beauty, pieces that are a pleasure to live with and that inspire the viewer. Sunlight dancing on transparent petals, the nuances of colour in shadows and reflective lights; these are subjects that motivate me to record nature in some of its finest moments. Coloured pencils are another medium I have explored since the beginning of my art career, with recognition gained through articles written for leading art magazines.

    Quickly produced work is not my style. Focusing on details of the natural world is a contemplative experience and I enjoy the process as much as the outcome. By being immersed in the study of God's creation, I aim to achieve a sense of quiet and stillness in my work.

  • Biography

    Born in Sydney and now living in Gympie, I am a multi award-winning representational artist with 26 years of experience teaching classes and workshops in a range of media.



    Although I was always immersed in creative pursuits, it wasn't until the youngest of my six children started school that I was able to attend weekly art classes on the Gold Coast. Shortly after, a career in teaching art began and I started winning prizes in local art competitions. I worked part-time as a teacher-aide in a private school for many years and taught art classes to high school students after school, while producing my own art and teaching private lessons. In 2019 I took the leap to become a full-time artist and tutor which has rewarded me with many workshop teaching opportunities.


    Painting florals in watercolour is my specialty along with colour pencil artworks, but I am also currently working on a series of acrylic Australian fauna in a geometric style. I am always experimenting with new techniques, styles and media



    as I love to share any updated skills with students.

  • Influences

    Over the last nearly 30 years I have attended workshops and art retreats with a number of acclaimed Australian and international artists. No doubt, each of those tutors have influenced me one way or another, even if their individual style was different to mine. I can't pin down any particular artist, apart from my first art teacher, as having a direct influence on me, but I have been inspired and in awe of so many living artists in magazines, in videos and now on YouTube.

  • Awards


    • SELECTED PRIZES/AWARDS

    2019, 2922 Finalist - Fabriano in Aquarello, Italy
    2017,2022 ; First prize – Still-life, D’arcy Doyle Art Awards
    2016 ; First prize – Botanical theme, RQAS
    2014 ; First prize – Watercolours, Ocean Shores Art Competition
    2012 ; First prize – Still –life, Ipswich Art Awards
    2011 ; First prize - ACPN coloured pencil competition.
    Plus many previous first prizes and other awards in previous years.

  • Exhibitions

    SELECTED SOLO & GROUP EXHIBITIONS and GALLERIES



    1996-2010 Various solo exhibitions in Brisbane and Gold Coast;
    2007 -2019 Royal QLD Art Society, Gold Coast
    ; 2018-2019 Chevron Island Art Gallery, Gold Coast
    ; 2019, 2022 Fabriano in Aquarello festival, Italy ; 2012 -present Myart Gallery, Toowoomba;
    2013 The Art Gallery, Mt Tamborine;
    2006-2008 Moulton Galleries, Robina & Southport;
    2003, 2009, 2013 Border Art Prize, Gold Coast City Art Gallery;
    2004 -2009, 2012, 2017,2021 D’Arcy Doyle Art Awards;
    2006 Stanthorpe Regional Gallery

  • Website

    https://www.janlawnikanis.com

Showing all 5 artworks

Jan Lawnikanis

The Gardener's Reward
38 x 56 cm Framed: 64 x 82 x 2cm Transparent Watercolour On Paper Sold

Jan Lawnikanis

September Garden Anew
33 x 33 cm Framed: 55 x 55 x 2cm Watercolour & Colour Pencil on paper $700.00

Jan Lawnikanis

Silent White
20 x 20 cm Framed: 43 x 43 x 1.5cm Watercolour on Paper $400.00

Jan Lawnikanis

Cocky
51 x 40 x 2 cm Framed: 51 x 40 x 2cm Acrylic on wood board $650.00

Jan Lawnikanis

Dogo
51 x 40 x 2 cm Framed: 51 x 40 x 2cm Acrylic on Board $650.00