The Secret Was Still There

Living and painting in Melbourne’s Sherbrooke rainforest, Kelly Kondis paint landscapes that depict many of the distinct elements of the surrounding environment along with inspiration from her love of travel. Balancing the qualities of realism and impressionism her work explores the composition of organic light and texture, together with weather and ecological variations. As a consequence of residing in this unique and contrasting location, her art frequently details the fleeting moments she encounters. 

Kelly has developed her technique and style through practice and repetition.  Her landscapes are constructed over many layers and in a subdued palette of oils as a means to describe shifts in the weather. While periodically creating works alla prima, most scapes are completed over the course of several weeks, as layers are provided the time to dry, emerge and be added to. Producing vistas that exist in a state of augmentation and transformation, the paintings are often immersive and sensory renderings. She surrenders to her intuitive responses and allow these reactions to guide her process to ensure her works are highly evocative in their nature.

Kelly’s works have been exhibited in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.  Additionally, she’s been a finalist in several Australian art competitions, winning categories in the Biblio Art Awards and at Art Red Hill and receiving a highly commended at Quadrant Gallery’s Feel Good Art Prize. Most recently Kelly won the coveted title of 2026 People’s Choice for her artwork entered in the Continuum exhibition at Burrinja Gallery.