Joel Rea Reaps the Rewards of the Art Industry

By Candice Dixon and James Stevenson - Bond University Journalism Students 


Acclaimed artist Joel Rea unlocks fresh inspiration for his fine art oil paintings from Varsity Lakes’ parks. 

In 2006,Varsity Lakes’ recreation areas, along with its affordability and prospects for growth, led the nationally acclaimed artist to relocate from Palm Beach to the Varsity area. 

“Here, you get a lot of space; you can walk to your park and you’ve got freedom to stretch out,” he said.  

Painting from his in-home studio, Rea has gained muse from Frascott Park for many of his surrealistic oil paintings in which the central characters are dogs like his own, Jax.

Mr Rea said that using animals is an effective way for attracting people to his work, especially because people love dogs.    

Furthermore, the park offers a serene environment where he can watch the dogs enjoy their freedom.

“There are some paintings I’ve done that are directly taken from this park,” he said.

For Rea, the dogs act as metaphors for people because they have a raw quality about them that people lack.

Represented by Lethbridge Gallery in Brisbane, Rea is currently working towards Art-Sydney Art Fair in October of this year. 

“It’s funny because the market for my paintings is mainly Sydney and Melbourne, [yet] this little garage in Varsity Lakes is where it all begins,” he said. 

To view Joel Rea’s fine art portfolio online, visit: www.joelrea.com.au.