Sarah Ellis-Steinborner

Adelaide-based emerging artist Sarah Ellis-Steinborner is inspired by the impressionists and colourists of the past. She finds herself drawn to the beauty of nature and the emotion that she can convey through expressive brush and palette knife strokes. Sarah won the Craftsmanship award in the Art to Art Unearthed art prize, 2025, and has had two solo exhibitions. Sarah is a South Australian artist whose work is deeply influenced by dynamic natural landscapes. Using contemporary abstract impressionistic techniques in acrylics and oils, she creates vibrant, textured pieces that capture the raw energy and ever-changing moods of the Australian environment.

Engaging in creative expression allows emotions to flow freely, bringing a sense of clarity and balance to her well-being. Each piece is guided by an emotional connection to the landscapes she depicts—whether it’s the intensity of a storm, the searing heat of the land, or the restless movement of the sea. These natural forces, constantly shifting and full of power, shape the depth and emotion within her work.

A defining feature of her artistic practice is the use of bold, expressive palette knife strokes. This technique infuses each painting with rich texture and movement, allowing the energy of the natural world to be felt as much as seen. The tactile quality of the layered paint invites viewers to connect with the landscape on a deeper level.

Through her art, Sarah strives to create an immersive experience—one that conveys the drama, beauty, and spirit of nature in a way that resonates both emotionally and visually.