Donna Ravenscroft’s paintings begin with abstracted backgrounds and gradually identifiable images begin to appear through linework and colour. Evidence of underpainting often remains in the building up of layers, resulting in touches of contrasting colour and texture.

Donna has exhibited in group and solo exhibitions in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Donna has been a finalist in the North Sydney Art Prize and Warringah Art Prize for many years. In 2003 she was awarded first prize at the Palm Beach Art Show

“Landscapes – Layered Memories is an exhibition of paintings showing shifting views of landscapes I have visited – incorporating memories of the land, ocean, islands and the striking and atmospheric aerial views of Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre.  The lake’s constant transformation between water, salt and earth.”  Donna Ravenscroft

Landscapes – Layered Memories – incorporating Salt Atlas – series of Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre

In 2023 I flew from Roxby Downs in South Australia to Birdsville where I spent 13 days in the Simpson Desert walking amongst the dunes and swales as part of a Scientific Expedition accompanied by humans and camels. Each afternoon was spent either helping to dig trenches and laying traps in order to record small creatures that crossed the desert during the night (usually small lizards and beetles, occasionally a small desert mouse) or making small artworks working with invasions of flies and ants.

A highlight for me on this trip were the two aerial flights over Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre. The landscape shifted from greens and ochres giving way to an unfolding mosaic of salt, clay and sand. From above, it is both surreal and sublime – a shimmering, ephemeral mirror in the desert, a place of extremes shaped by time, drought and fleeting floods. The lake at that time appeared as a vast salt-crusted plain, fractured and glinting under the relentless sun. It was like an abstract painting – swirls of blush pink, milky white, and dusty rust tones created by minerals, microbes and remnants of ancient seabeds.

In 2025 I travelled to Lord Howe Island – where the mountains meet the sea. From the moment the plane banks over the island’s crescent – shaped lagoon I was struck by its dramatic beauty – rugged volcanic peaks, lush forested slopes and vibrant blues of coral fringed waters. Walking the island included time spent beneath ancient banyan trees with their sculptural root systems, taking tracks and being rewarded with sweeping views of the lagoon, beaches and ocean. Lord Howe Island is not just a place of natural beauty, but a place that encourages stillness, observation and deep connection with the land and sea. I have always felt a deep connection with the sea and surrounding landscape. Often it is the memories and the thousands of photographs that I take that inspire my paintings.

Selected Exhibitions

2022 Solo Exhibition Places to Swim at Art2Muse Gallery, Woollahra, Sydney

2020 Solo Exhibition Landscapes at Art2Muse Gallery, Double Bay, Sydney

2018 Solo Exhibition at Art Gallery on Darling, Balmain, Sydney

2017 Solo Exhibition at Art2Muse Gallery, Double Bay, Sydney

2015 Solo Exhibition at Art2Muse Gallery, Double Bay, Sydney

2014 On the waterfront: the art of North Sydney’s foreshores North Sydney Heritage Centre

2013 Seascapes Breathing Colours, Balmain

2012 Art2Muse Gallery, Sydney – solo exhibition
Paint and Wire at Breathing Colours, Balmain
Art Melbourne with Art2Muse Gallery

2011 Art2Muse Gallery, Sydney – solo exhibition

2010 ARTZPACE 2010, Avalon,
Riverview Art Show
Warringah Art Prize

2009 Art2Muse Gallery, Double Bay – solo exhibition
Xzibit Gallery, McMahons Point – solo exhibition
St Thomas Show, Sydney
Tudor House Show, Moss Vale, NSW
Art2Muse Gallery, Double Bay, Sydney – solo exhibition

2008 Art Sydney Gallery Oscar
North Sydney Art Prize
Vision 5, Queenwood
Art Melbourne Gallery Oscar
Paint Wire Wood, Tom Dunne Gallery Darlinghurst

2007 Vision 4, Queenwood
Northbridge Art Prize
North Sydney Art Prize
St Joseph’s College Art & Craft Show
Gallery Oscar Mixed Exhibition, Turramurra

2006 Gallery Oscar Exhibition, Pymble
St Thomas’ Art Show, Willoughby
Global Gallery, Paddington Stock Room Exhibition
Northbridge Art Prize
St Joseph’s College Art & Craft Show
North Sydney Art Prize
Vision Art Show, Queenwood
Riverview Art & Craft Exhibition

2005 Global Gallery, Paddington
Art Sydney ’05
Warringah Art Show
St Joseph’s College Art & Craft Show
Fusion Group Exhibition Washhouse Gallery, Rozelle
North Sydney Art Prize Exhibition
Vision Art Show, Queenwood
Riverview Art & Craft Exhibition
Land Lines Two Artists Sauc Gallery, Surry Hills

2004 St Joseph’s College Art & Craft Exhibition
North Sydney Art Prize
Affordable Art Show (represented by Sauc Gallery)
Vision Art Show, Queenwood
Riverview Art & Craft Exhibition
Edge 4, Mary Place Gallery, Paddington

2003 Eight Edge Exhibit, Xzibit Gallery, McMahon’s Point
Sauc Gallery, Surry Hills, Group Exhibition
St Thomas’ Art Show, Willoughby
Palm Beach SLSC Art Show & Competition
St Joseph’s College Art & Craft Show

2002 Global Gallery, Paddington
Edge 11, Mary Place Gallery, Paddington

Collections

2021 Jewel Hotel, The Langham, Gold Coast
Stanton Library Permanent Collection, North Sydney Council
Corporate collections, Sydney
Private collections in Sydney, Melbourne, North Queensland and Perth

Awards

2003 Palm Beach Art Show – First Prize

Commissions considered