Rachelle Kavanagh

(b. Maryborough, Australia; based on the Sunshine Coast, Australia)

hello@rachellekavanagh.com | rachellekavanagh.com

Artist Bio

Rachelle Kavanagh is an emerging Australian artist born in Maryborough, and based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, working primarily in oil paint. She has exhibited across Queensland and has been selected as a finalist in the Du Rietz Art Award and Queensland Figurative Art Prize, receiving a commendation in the latter. Alongside her studio practice, Rachelle is an experienced art educator, Head Teacher and Kids Department Manager at Art School Co. running many weekly classes and workshops throughout the year.

Artist Statement

Rachelle’s artworks capture the essence of human experience, drawing inspiration from the intricate emotions and connections that weave through our lives. Her figurative compositions illuminate the beauty and depth found within each individual’s narrative. Through an impressionistic realism and the use of luminous, warm colours and contrasting values, her art evokes a sense of emotion and resonance, inviting the audience to explore the rich tapestry of humanity.

Awards

2020 - The Queensland Figurative Art Prize (Royal Queensland Art Society) - Finalist and Commendation

2020 - Du Rietz Art Award - Finalist

Exhibitions

2026 - Reverie Group Solo Exhibition

2025 - Emerging Artists Exhibition - Art School Co. Buderim

2024 - Emerging Artists Exhibition - Art School Co. Buderim

2024 - Sunshine Coast Open Studios

2023 - Emerging Artists Exhibition - Art School Co. Buderim

2023 - Sunshine Coast Open Studios - Buderim

2022 - The Secret Sitter Exhibition

2022 - Sunshine Coast Open Studios - Buderim

2021 - Emerging Artists Exhibition - Art School Co. Buderim

2020 - Small Works Exhibition - Red Ink Rodeo Gallery, Caloundra

2020 - Art School Co. Exhibition - Art School Co. Buderim

2020 - The Queensland Figurative Award (Royal Queensland Art Society) - Petrie Terrace Gallery, Paddington

2020 - Du Rietz Art Award - Gympie Regional Gallery, Gympie

2020 - International Women’s Day Exhibition - Red Ink Rodeo Gallery, Caloundra

2019 - Art School Co. Exhibition - Buderim

2018 - Sunshine Coast School of Art and Imagination Exhibition - Buderim

2017 - Sunshine Coast School of Art and Imagination Exhibition - Buderim

2016 - Sunshine Coast School of Art and Imagination Exhibition - Axis Gallery, Maroochydore

2015 - Sunshine Coast School of Art and Imagination Exhibition - Buderim

Collections

Private Collections across Australia, New Zealand and England

Publically at Aiden, Darling Harbour, Sydney (Hotel) - Hand painted mural in each hotel room, as well as an eight storey wall mural

Education

2019 - Current - Professional Studio Classes - Art School Co.

2026 - Emerging Artist Mentoring - Amber Creswell Bell

2026 - Emerging Artist Masterclass - Amber Creswell Bell

2025 - Colour Theory Workshop - Art School Co.

2023 - Portrait Workshop in Oils - Jessica le Clerc

2021 - Oil Portrait Workshop - Robin Eley

2020 - Portrait Workshop in Oils - Art School Co.

2015-2018 - Art Classes - Sunshine Coast School of Art and Imagination

2014-2016 - Master of Education (Major: Leadership and Management)

2009-2013 - Bachelor of Education (Primary) [Minor: Teaching English as an Additional Language]

Teaching

2019 - Current - Manager & Head Art Teacher - Art School Co. Kids

2021 - Current - Head Art Teacher - Adult Classes - Art School Co.

2021 - Current - Adult and Children’s Fine Art Workshops

2023, 2024 - 2 Day Beginners Oil Painting Workshop

2021 - Head Art Teacher - Artists ‘Studio’ Classes - Art School Co.