A Little About Me
I’m Jori Poutanen, an Australian-based oil painter creating atmospheric, impressionistic and tonal paintings inspired by light, landscape, memory and the places that stay with us.
I’m fascinated by the way light can transform an ordinary scene - the warmth of late afternoon, reflections on water, dramatic skies, the atmosphere of a city, or the quiet beauty of the countryside. These moments often become the starting point for my paintings.
My work is influenced by the Australian landscape, rural farms and the changing colours and textures of the Australian countryside. My Finnish Nordic heritage also draws me towards the quiet beauty, atmosphere and expansive feeling of Nordic landscapes.
Memories and experiences play an important part in my work. A place I’ve visited, a moment I’ve experienced or an image that has stayed in my mind can eventually find its way onto the canvas. I often combine observation, memory and imagination to create paintings that are less about recording a particular place and more about capturing a feeling.
Where It Began
My love of painting began when I was very young. In Grade One, my teacher noticed my natural ability and encouraged me to paint, particularly seascapes.
Perhaps my father, who was a sailor, also influenced my fascination with the sea. The ocean, ships and wide-open horizons have remained subjects that continue to resonate with me.
Eventually, that day came.
For many years, however, painting had to take a back seat while life revolved around raising our three sons and running our business. The passion for painting never disappeared. I always imagined that one day I would return to it.
Being able to paint full time and dedicate myself to developing my work is something I feel very fortunate to experience.
My Approach to Painting
I love the process of building a painting slowly - allowing colour, light, texture and atmosphere to develop through layers of oil paint.
I’m particularly drawn to luminous underpaintings, dramatic skies, atmospheric depth and the way changing light can completely alter the character of a scene.
Music is also an important part of my studio life. I love painting with music playing. It creates an atmosphere in the studio and can influence my mood, thoughts and even the direction a painting takes.
What I Hope My Paintings Bring
“Ultimately, I hope my paintings evoke a feeling or memory.”
Perhaps they remind someone of a favourite place, a childhood memory, a holiday, a journey, or simply a quiet moment they experienced themselves.
Light, luminosity and texture are very important to me. I want my paintings to bring warmth and atmosphere into a home while inviting people to pause, look a little longer and perhaps create a story of their own.
Recognition
2024
Finalist, Best Oil Painting - 76th Cairns Art Society Annual Awards
2023
People’s Choice, Best Oil Painting - 75th Cairns Art Society Annual Awards
Today
170+ original paintings now with collectors through Bluethumb
From the first marks on the canvas to the finished work
I enjoy sharing not only the finished paintings but also the process of creating them. Through my YouTube channel, I invite you into the studio to see paintings develop from the first marks on the canvas through to the finished work.
If you’d like to follow my painting journey more closely, you can watch my painting videos or join my collector list for new works, studio stories, behind-the-scenes updates and selected paintings as they become available.
