Sally McLean is a fine artist inspired by the colour, texture and quiet beauty of the natural world. Working in pastels, acrylics and mixed media, she creates expressive seascapes, animal portraits and nature-inspired works with warmth and sensitivity.
Artistic Journey
Sally’s interest in art began in high school, where pastels first captured her imagination. After beginning her career as an engineering draftsperson, she continued to develop her creativity through classes at the Brisbane Institute of Art.
Training and Practice
In 2005, Sally returned to art with renewed focus, studying oils, pastels and charcoal with Janet Ann Skinner. She later expanded her skills through workshops in oil painting, life drawing, portraiture, seascapes, watercolour, acrylics and mixed media with several respected artists.
Subjects and Recognition
Animals remain central to Sally’s work, especially through her commissioned pet portraits, now held in private collections across Australia. She is also drawn to seascapes, birdlife and richly textured compositions using vivid colour and gold leaf.
Sally has exhibited in Queensland art shows and galleries and received awards and commendations for her pastel works, including recognition at Exhibition RDA and the Brookfield Art Show. She was also an Archibald entrant in 2019.
Sharing Creativity
For more than 15 years, Sally has shared the joy of creating art through teaching. She is now excited to bring that passion to a wider audience through Acrylic and Mixed Media online art courses, while also developing new artworks and an innovative commission concept that explores the creative possibilities of artificial intelligence.