Nature’s muse: Where Nature and art meet at Margaret River Region Open Studios

“It’s hard to draw a line between work and my favourite things to do in life. I take my son camping, I surf, we walk the Cape to Cape.”

Tamika Hogan paints large-scale coastal scenes in oil, expertly capturing light on granite and scrub and the vivid blues of the Indian Ocean.

“As an artist there’s endless inspiration. I could be on a walk, and a scene will completely stop me in my tracks, and I know I have to recreate it with paint.”

“Nature is the remedy and the antidote to so many stresses in life. I try to capture that calm in my art.”

Each year during Open Studios, Tamika welcomes art lovers to her restored rail carriage studio.

“When I first started Open Studios, I was a total novice at putting myself out there and selling my work. Now, it sets me up for the year financially, and it’s helped me establish myself as a full-time artist.”

Last year, Tamika painted Wilyabrup Cliffs on a large canvas with exquisite detail.

“I often go back to the location multiple times, especially for the big pieces. I took my son for a picnic and spent the whole day at Wilyabrup Cliffs, exploring and swimming in the rock pools beneath. It was an important part of the process, to see that part of the painting up close.”

Preparing for her sixth Open Studios, Tamika is enthusiastic about meeting fellow creatives. “I went through a seven-year creative block, so I love having conversations with other creators in that in-between place. And I love the chance to meet the buyers firsthand.”

Website: artbymeeks.net Instagram: @art.by.meeks

“During my first few visits to Margaret River, I would breathe a sigh of relief every time I drove into the region.

After a few weekend visits, Chloe Wilder was sold. “I’m a Kiwi and being here around the ocean and trees felt so much better than being anywhere else.”

She lives with her husband and young kids on a farm in Osmington and works in painting, printmaking and pottery.

“Nature is built into everything I do. We love picnicking around the farm and lately my work has been food related. The colours of nature and local flora end up in the paintings.”

After watering garden beds and bundling kids off to school, Chloe dedicates her day to still life and portrait painting and quirky pottery creations – think nipple-spiked vases or charming eggcups.

“Art was always an escape, a solace. I had a tough childhood. I dissociate when I’m making artwork and go into a complete state of bliss.”

Prepping for her eighth Open Studios event, Chloe acknowledges its impact. “It’s been pivotal for my career. In the early days I was fresh out of university with zero name recognition, and it brought people to me.” Chloe’s 2025 sales funded a new kiln, and she’s excited to create more ceramics.

It’s rare to be invited into an artist’s private studio, to connect person-to-person. “It’s a solitary practice, making art so I love moments where I can talk and connect with people.”

“A gallery is wonderful yet a different environment – white walls and white plinths. In Open Studios you meet an artist in their home or studio, and their art and story make sense.”

Instagram: @chloewilderart

Bored of “just lying on the beach” and envious of the male surfers, Jacqui Brown first picked up a surfboard at age 12 and spent her school holidays catching waves in Perth’s northern beaches.

She competed in Victoria and Queensland at age 16, and while she loved riding big waves, she didn’t like the wipeouts. “I was a state champion in the ’80s, and I had to surf big waves. Now I only surf belly button height.”

Jacqui started making art as a child, and now paints beautiful, big canvases and recycled surfboards, creating sustainable art inspired by her beloved surf.

“The ocean is a big theme in my work,” says Jacqui, who surfs and swims any chance she gets. “I love Margaret River, the seascape and the Leeuwin Ridge. It’s such a beautiful place to try and put down on a canvas.”

Jacqui’s home is tucked between the sand dunes and Caves Road, almost close enough to hear the roaring surf on a big day. It’s a 15-minute e-bike ride to her favourite break, where her trusty board is hidden in the scrub.

Jacqui spent six years designing her garden and leapt at the chance to welcome Open Studios guests into her purpose-built gallery. “The garden is an extension of my creativity. I love showing my work, seeing what people like – it’s really rewarding.”

Website: jacquibrownart.net  Instagram: @jacqui_brown_art

Browse all 155 artists taking part in Margaret River Region Open Studios this spring.