ONE ordinary school run was all it took to reignite a Cleveland resident’s passion for painting.
You may recognise Angela Paxton’s work from her stunning painting of a Cleveland Lighthouse sunrise, her nostalgic depictions of local Cleveland shops, or the serene beauty of Oyster Point.
Since moving to the area in 2019, Ms Paxton has embraced the region’s relaxed coastal character and used it as inspiration for her artwork.
Using gouache and watercolours, she paints subjects that hold deep sentimental value, including historical buildings and native wildlife.
“I credit my move to Cleveland for inspiring me to paint again,” she said.
“I simply felt compelled to capture the beauty of the heritage around me, before it slips away.”
Ms Paxton’s passion for art was rekindled during drives to her children’s school, when fleeting views of picturesque Redlands landscapes sparked her creative imagination.
“My mind would say, ‘Ah, there’s a painting in that!’ ” she said.
And with that spark, Angela Paxton Art was born.
Through her website, she not only showcases her paintings but also shares the stories behind the locations she depicts.
“There is something nostalgic about the Redlands and I hope that’s evident in my paintings,” she said.
“It has been a labour of love.”
Among her works, a painting of Oyster Point holds a special place in her heart, evoking the strongest sense of home.
“I admire the efforts of the older community to conserve Redlands history, and I hope to contribute in my own way to preserving the past.”
Ms Paxton photographs locations at different times of the day to ensure her paintings are nuanced and authentic.
“The reward is always when others connect with my works – that is what art is all about,” she said.
“Connecting to memories and each other.”
