Color, Intuition & Coastal Inspiration: A Conversation with Kerrie Jacobs

Kerrie Jacobs is an Australian artist whose vibrant, intuitive works are deeply inspired by nature, coastal living, and the beauty of everyday moments. From expressive florals to abstract explorations and textured mixed-media surfaces, her practice is guided by instinct, color, and emotional response. In this interview, Kerrie shares insights into her creative process, inspirations, challenges, and future plans as an artist.

Q: What inspires your artwork, and how do you find creative motivation?

Kerrie: Little things inspire me, and it changes all the time — colors, textures, where I live by the beach, the sunsets and changing tides, my garden… honestly, I could go on and on! It’s really whatever catches me in a special moment. Motivation comes and goes. I like to work in collections, so I get super excited and busy, but once a collection is done, I need a breather. I find going to yoga and meditating really helps with motivation.

Q: Can you describe your creative process from concept to completion?

Kerrie: I always start with an underpainting! I never gesso my canvas — I just grab random colors and throw them on, with scratching and mark-making. Then I see where that bottom layer takes me. Sometimes it gets completely covered and that’s okay, and sometimes I find bits I just love, which then inform the direction of the painting. Mostly my work is intuitive — I rarely plan, and I almost never end up with the idea I started with.

Q: What mediums do you prefer to work with, and why?

Kerrie: Acrylic paint always (basically, I’m lazy and too impatient to use oils!). I love impasto mediums, oil sticks, and mixed media papers too.

Q: How has your style evolved over the years?

Kerrie: I think I’ve become more loose and less structured. I’ve stopped planning over the years, and I’ve also stopped using resin altogether now too.

Q: What themes do you explore in your work, and why are they important to you?

Kerrie: Themes come and go. I’ve done whole series of farmyards and cows inspired by farms I used to hang out on on weekends. I explore abstract because it’s intuitive, florals most of the time because I love color and the irregularity of nature, and sunsets and beaches because of where I live.

Q: Who are some of your favorite artists, and how have they influenced you?

Kerrie: Ken Done would have to be number one! From being a teenager with his doona cover and clothing, to now owning two of his prints — I would love to own an original one day. It’s the colors, texture, and the naivety of his paintings that get me every time.

Q: How do you feel about your experiences as an artist in Australia?

Kerrie: Tough!! Honestly, you wouldn’t choose it as a career if you didn’t absolutely love it!!

Q: What challenges have you faced as an artist, and how have you overcome them?

Kerrie: So many knockbacks… but as I tell my art therapy clients: what have you got to lose? If you don’t ask, you don’t get! One day, you’ll get a surprise — and it’s a big “yes.”

Q: What advice would you give to emerging artists who are just starting their careers?

Kerrie: Just keep going. If you love it, just practice, practice, practice. If your heart and soul aren’t really in it, then don’t do it.

Q: What projects or themes are you currently exploring?

Kerrie: Clay! I’m a bit obsessed!! I’ve been doing it just for fun, but now I’m incorporating some 3D clay leaves and flowers into my paintings.

Q: What are your future plans for your art career?

Kerrie: I’d love to be represented by more galleries, but if that doesn’t happen, I’ll keep up the hustle on Instagram. I’d like to run more workshops this year and enter more competitions, but really — no major plans. I don’t think you can really plan!

Kerrie Jacobs’ artistic journey is a testament to intuition, persistence, and the joy of creative exploration. Whether working with acrylics, impasto textures, or experimenting with clay elements, her work reflects a deep connection to nature and the present moment. Her honest reflections on the challenges and rewards of being an artist offer valuable encouragement to emerging creatives. You can follow Kerrie’s journey and discover her latest works through her social media and exhibitions, and stay connected for upcoming workshops and collections.

Explore Kerrie Jacobs artwork

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