Maria Radun
Maria Radun, born in Crimea on the shores of the Black Sea, now resides and works from her studio on the Mornington Peninsula.
As a contemporary realist painter, Radun paints in oils and makes drawings in a realist style. Inspired by light, form, and atmosphere, she seeks to capture moments of beauty and awe in everyday life.
"I work across many genres, but I am most passionate about nature and portraiture. I find working from life most rewarding, as I endeavour to portray what I observe in the most honest and captivating way, yet sometimes I also like to add something unexpected into my compositions to delight the imagination."
As a visual artist, Radun finds inspiration in the beauty of nature and the complexities of human experience. She made a career shift in her mid-30s to pursue art full-time after working in illustration and graphic design.
You are welcome to visit Radun's studio by appointment, located inside the collaborative creative precinct The Studio & Co on the Mornington Peninsula at 545 Mornington-Tyabb Road, Moorooduc.
Maria Radun painting at the Melbourne Flower and Garden Show 2022
Maria Radun painting on the Mornington Peninsula
Autumn Light
Artistic Practice
Radun primarily works in oil paint, creating representational paintings that capture the essence of everyday life and nature. Her creative vision is deeply rooted in childhood memories of the sea, her grandfather’s garden, and the intricate details of nature, all intertwined with an exploration of the inner worlds shaped by intuitive and emotional experiences.
A recent body of her work features still-life compositions with native flowers, seashells, and skulls, exploring the concept of balance inspired by the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang. This theme not only reflects her philosophical inquiries but is also visually expressed through the dynamic interplay of shadow and light in her compositions.
Her landscapes reveal a profound passion for the outdoors. Informed by observations during 'en plein air' sessions, her studio paintings capture atmospheric effects, with emotive skies and subtle narratives of peaceful moments in an ever-changing environment.
Self Portrait
Finalist AME Bale Travelling Scholarship Award
Approach to Portraiture
Portraiture is another significant aspect of Radun’s work, driven by a fascination with the uniqueness of individuals. She describes the process as "a complex challenge that requires both technical skill and emotional sensitivity." Each portrait is an exploration of human diversity and expression, attempting to capture the essence of the subject and translating a deep appreciation for the human form and psyche onto canvas.
Catch the Light and Shine
Highly Commended VAS Autumn Select Exhibition 2022
Teaching and Residencies
Radun values strong drawing abilities, design sensibility, and colour harmony as foundational elements of her art practice. She shares these skills with others through occasional drawing and painting classes.
Art residencies have also been an essential part of Radun's practice, both locally and abroad. Whether in a bustling art centre or a secluded rural studio, the immersive experience of a new place profoundly influences the visual ideas and aesthetics of the artwork produced there.
Inclination
Created during Residency Kelli Lundberg Art
Inspirations and Influence
Radun’s artistic journey is shaped by a diverse range of influences, from Australian masters like Arthur Streeton to international figures such as Isaac Levitan, Joaquín Sorolla, and Richard Schmid. She admires these artists for their ability to create poetry with light and atmosphere while revealing narratives that are thoughtful, profound, personal yet universal.
Hay Bales in the Morning
Ongoing Development
As Radun continues to develop her artistic voice, she remains committed to refining her skills and exploring new techniques. "I'm always asking myself, ‘How can I do this better?’ It’s an ongoing journey of improvement and discovery," she shares. Her dedication to the craft is evident in her constant experimentation and willingness to challenge herself.
Radun’s journey is one of continuous evolution and exploration, driven by an unwavering curiosity and a profound love for visual expression. She strives to create works that not only reflect her own experiences and observations but also engage and inspire others to appreciate the world more deeply.
Still here
Education
2019-2023 Further professional training via private tuition with Fiona Bilborough and Bill Caldwell, as well as workshops with various classical & realist contemporary artists.
2018 Bachelor of Fine Arts - Monash University
2012 Bachelor of Graphic Design and Computer Based Design - University of the Sunshine Coast QLD
2004 Diploma of Illustration - Chisholm Institute of TAFE
First Impressions Last
Created during Residency Kelli Lundberg Art
Awards
2024 Curator’s Choice Award, VAS Spring Select Exhibition
2024 Cecilia Beaux Mentorship Program, American Portrait Society
Finalist 2023 40Under40 Art Prize
Highly Commended 2023 VAS Summer Exhibition
Finalist 2022 A.M.E Bale Traveling Scholarship & Painting Award
Highly Commended 2022 VAS Spring Select Exhibition & Portrait Exhibition
Finalist 2022 Swan Hill Print & Drawing Acquisitive Awards
Finalist 2022 Swan Hill Print & Drawing Acquisitive Awards
Finalist 2021 & 2022 Art Lovers Australia Prize
Finalist 2021 Tacit Still Life Prize
Finalist 2019 Wyndham Art Prize
Finalist 2019 Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize
2010 ADFAS Curatorial Scholarship
The Picker’s Hut
Curator's Choice Award - VAS Spring Select Exhibition 2024
Residencies
2024 Peninsula Grammar
2024 Kelli Lundberg Art
2023 Tasmania Residency, Glaziers Bay
2018 Police Point Artist in Residence program, Mornington Peninsula Shire
2018 Residency at Box Hill Community Arts Centre
Portrait from Life
VAS Friday portrait group 2023
Acknowledgment of traditional owners.
We would like to pay our respects to the traditional owners of the land on which our building stands, their leaders, past, present and emerging.