O c h r e L a w s o n
My work is process-driven, working from observational sketches and watercolours completed in nature, which become increasingly abstracted when back in the studio. Using these sketches in the studio, I work from memory, abstracting through colour, line and texture to create works that are both observed and demonstrate a freedom of expression emanating from my deep love of the Australian bush.
My main interest is to represent the diversity and awesome quality of unique wilderness areas from both a painterly and emotional perspective. A particular concern in my work is the changing face of natural flora and fauna due to climate change, deforestation and urbanisation.
Ochre Lawson completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the National Art School, Sydney, in 2007. Previous studies include a Diploma of Fine Arts from Southbank Institute of TAFE, Brisbane (2001) and online studies in art theory and practice through RMIT, Melbourne.
She has had nine solo exhibitions, notably at Jennings Kerr, Robertson, New South Wales (2022, 2023, 2024); Saint Cloche Gallery (2020, 2021); Gallery 371 (2019); Kensington Contemporary Gallery (2018); Chrissy Cotter Gallery (2017) and AM Art Gallery (2012), Sydney. Group exhibitions in which she has participated include those at Jennings Kerr Gallery (2021, 2022, 2023, 2025); Despard Gallery, Hobart (2020, 2019); AK Bellinger Gallery, Inverell, New South Wales (2019, 2020); Chrissy Cotter Gallery, Defiance Gallery and Mary Place Gallery, Sydney; Watch This Space Gallery, Alice Springs, Northern Territory; Metro Arts Gallery, Brisbane and the New York Art Fair, New York USA (2019).
Lawson has been a finalist in numerous art awards, including the Glover Prize, Arts in the Valley Art Prize, NSW Parliament Plein Air Art Prize, Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize, Fishers Ghost Art Prize, Greenway Art prize, Defiance Small Sculpture Prize, Northbridge Art Prize, Gosford Regional Gallery Art Prize and the Waverley Woollahra Art Prize. She was selected as artist-in-residence for the Bilpin International Ground for Creative Initiative in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales (2012-14, 2025), Falls Creek Art Residency, Falls Creek, Victoria (2023) and Moriumius, Ishinomaki, Japan (2017).
Her commissions include public sculptures for Urban Growth, Sydney (2015, 2016), NSW Transport (2014) and Momac Residential Development, Canberra (2009).
She is also the author/illustrator of two children’s books focussing on Australian native fauna published by Windy Hollow Books, Melbourne.
Ochre Lawson was elected a member of the Australian Watercolour Institute in 2025.