Oenone Hammersley is an artist whose work is deeply connected to the natural world. Recognized for her rainforest and wildlife paintings, Hammersley’s art reflects a lifelong fascination with nature, landscapes, and wildlife. Her pieces evoke a sense of wonder while addressing the pressing environmental issues of our time, blending realism with abstract forms to express the fragility of the world we live in.
Hammersley has been exhibiting her work since 1980, with shows in the U.S., Europe, Africa, and Australia. Her artistic journey has taken her across the globe, and these experiences are reflected in her wide range of subjects and techniques. For three years, she lived in Tanzania, where she immersed herself in the landscape and wildlife of Africa, creating vivid depictions of the region’s rich fauna. Her deep connection to nature is a consistent theme, and the African wildlife paintings from this period are a testament to her observational skills and her ability to capture the essence of the animals in their natural habitats.
In Greece, her artistic focus shifted towards mythological figures, and she began incorporating them into her work, illustrating the timeless stories through oil on canvas and watercolors. The vibrant energy of Greek mythology complemented her style, and her use of color and form became even more pronounced.
Hammersley’s travels continued to influence her art as she spent two years living in Australia. She traveled to Papua New Guinea to paint the birds of paradise, a project that led to an exhibition dedicated to the birds and frogs of Australia and Papua New Guinea. These works are a celebration of biodiversity and serve as a reminder of the beauty and importance of preserving these creatures and their ecosystems. The delicate balance between realism and abstraction in her wildlife paintings allows viewers to appreciate the intricate details of the animals while also engaging with the broader themes of conservation.
‘Fire Underwater 1’ – A Force of Nature
Hammersley’s latest work, Fire Underwater 1, takes a different approach. A departure from her wildlife paintings, this mixed media piece dives into the raw power of natural forces. At 60 inches by 36 inches, the painting captures an underwater volcanic eruption—an explosive meeting of fire and water, energy and resistance.
The movement in the piece is undeniable. The water, rendered in blues and greens, swirls violently as the fire pushes upward, trying to break free. The red and orange tones at the core of the eruption create a vivid contrast against the surrounding deep-sea blues. This is not a calm ocean scene. It’s a moment of destruction and creation, a reminder that the earth is constantly shifting and changing beneath us.
Hammersley’s technique in Fire Underwater 1 enhances this dynamic tension. The layering of paint, the fluid textures, and the interplay between the organic flow of water and the chaos of fire make the piece feel alive. The abstract forms within the composition suggest movement without being overly literal, allowing the viewer’s eye to travel across the canvas, following the eruption’s force.
This painting will be on display at the Palm Beach Modern and Contemporary Art Fair in the Walter Wickiser Gallery booth from March 20th to 23rd, 2025. The fair will be an opportunity for collectors and art enthusiasts to experience the work up close. Seeing it in person, with the scale and energy fully present, will be a different experience than viewing it on a screen.
Hammersley has always been drawn to nature’s power, whether it’s the quiet beauty of a rainforest or the violent upheaval of an underwater volcano. Fire Underwater 1 stands as a testament to her ability to capture the essence of the natural world, whether through delicate details or sweeping, abstract forces.
