Belinda Dorey - Saltwater Stories
Inspired by my time at the lighthouse cottages at the top of Nobbys headland during an artist’s residency.
This panoramic scene overlooking Newcastle with the ocean on one side and the Hunter River on the other was influenced by the vast wind-swept views I was privileged to experience daily.
Medium: Oil on Deep Edge Canvas
Total Artwork size: 1040mm x 400mm. Unframed
Newy Views
A few moments captured in time on an April morning at the Soldiers Pool.
A favourite swimming spot of mine and many others who are drawn to this beautiful, sheltered rock pool.
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Total Framed Artwork Size: 930mm x 630mm.
Morning Explorers
A hot January day at Bar beach, the tide way out and the water so clear and inviting.
The rocks create a chain of shallow turquoise pools that are the perfect place to cool off and explore. Another classic summer day at beautiful Bar Beach.
Medium: Oil on Board
Total Artwork size: 900mm x 600mm. (Unframed)
Between the Tides
Low tide in the late afternoon on a walk into Susan Gilmore beach.
The sun spills over the cliff edge illuminating the salt spray, slicing across the shore below to create the perfect balance of sunlight and shadow.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Total Artwork Size: 760mm x 300mm (unframed)
Spotlight on Susan
Standing on the rock edge watching and waiting. Intending to face the brunt of the approaching set while testing the feel of the chain in their hands.
The irony between the ocean's power and the temporary tranquillity of the rock pool with its flotilla of reflections wasn’t lost on me.
Medium: Oil on Deep Edge Canvas
Total Artwork size: 600mm x 600mm. (Unframed)
The Watchers
The view from the cliff overlooking Bar Beach always inspires me to walk that little bit faster and immerse myself in the turquoise waters below.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Total Artwork Size: 600mm x 600mm (Unframed)
Bar Beach Blues
This could be just about any afternoon in summer at Merewether Ocean Baths.
Swim, float, sit and daydream beneath a blue sky, surrounded by ocean and the salty air goodness.
Medium: Oil on Deep Edge Canvas
Total Artwork size: 600mm x 450mm. (Unframed)
Summer Afternoons Merewether
Inspired by the Soldiers Pool at the southern end of Nobby’s Beach where light dances across the sandy ocean floor.
The Ocean Gems series is a collection that drifts between realism and abstraction, exploring the transparent qualities of water, and the way the ocean floor, water and light when combined can sometimes resemble gemstones sparkling in the sunlight.
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Total Framed size: 530mm x 530mm.
Ocean Gems IV
Inspired by summer swims in the very green waves of Nobbys beach, being lifted and lowered by the rhythms of the ocean swell.
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Total Framed Artwork size: 430mm x 330mm.
The Rolling Green
Newcastle's busy fleet of tugs have so much character.
The true workhorses of the river, dwarfed by the huge ships they safely guide into port.
Watching them go about their work always evokes a mix of admiration and awe.
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Total Framed Artwork size: 430mm x 330mm.
Small but Mighty
This tug was slowly making its way out to sea late in the day.
A storm had just passed over as the last rays of the setting sun created a spotlight effect causing everything to glow.
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Total Framed Artwork size: 430mm x 330mm.
The Last Tug of Day
BELINDA DOREY - ARTIST STATEMENT
Water has long been both a source of fascination and a place of refuge for me. After a back injury in 2020, swimming and walking in water became a lifeline, while painting offered a path back to creativity, health, and wellbeing.
Working in oil and pastel, I focus on capturing the fleeting qualities of light, water, and reflection. Coastal landscapes, seascapes, and underwater scenes allow me to explore the ephemeral beauty of nature — from refracted light and subtle distortions to moments of quiet emotion.
Through my paintings, I aim to share the sense of calm, joy, and connection I find in the natural world, inviting viewers to pause and reconnect with the beauty that surrounds us.