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2026 FINALIST

Narelle Zeller

b.

1978

Taree, New South Wales, Australia

Currently based  in

Canberra, ACT, Australia

Click artwork to view details (it may take a few seconds to load)

Caleb Clark.jpg

Pastel Dreamer, 2024
Oil on ACM Panel
22.83 x 34.65

Oil on ACM Panel

Pastel Dreamer explores a sense of reverie – of dreaming with eyes open. The swirling, colourful fabric adds to this feeling, suggesting an imaginative, fluid landscape that she is immersed in. In this painting, I wanted to capture a moment of quiet introspection, suspended between reality and dream. My daughter, Kiah, is the muse, and the palette is drawn from her natural love of colour, creativity, and self-expression.”


Narelle Zeller is an Australian representational oil painter based in Canberra, Australia. Largely self-taught, Narelle has developed her practice through a deep appreciation of classical realism and a sustained commitment to observation and painting. Seeking select artist mentorships along the way, she has cultivated an indirect, intuitive approach to painting grounded in realism.


At the heart of her practice lies a desire to create paintings that embody both truth and beauty, as well as hold a strong emotional presence and narrative. Through subtle detail and considered composition, she invites viewers into a space of connection – one that encourages reflection, emotional resonance, and a deeper appreciation of our shared human experience.

22.83 x 34.65

Caleb Clark.jpg

Click artwork to view details (it may take a few seconds to load)

Pastel Dreamer, 2024
Oil on ACM Panel
22.83 x 34.65

Pastel Dreamer explores a sense of reverie – of dreaming with eyes open. The swirling, colourful fabric adds to this feeling, suggesting an imaginative, fluid landscape that she is immersed in. In this painting, I wanted to capture a moment of quiet introspection, suspended between reality and dream. My daughter, Kiah, is the muse, and the palette is drawn from her natural love of colour, creativity, and self-expression.”


Narelle Zeller is an Australian representational oil painter based in Canberra, Australia. Largely self-taught, Narelle has developed her practice through a deep appreciation of classical realism and a sustained commitment to observation and painting. Seeking select artist mentorships along the way, she has cultivated an indirect, intuitive approach to painting grounded in realism.


At the heart of her practice lies a desire to create paintings that embody both truth and beauty, as well as hold a strong emotional presence and narrative. Through subtle detail and considered composition, she invites viewers into a space of connection – one that encourages reflection, emotional resonance, and a deeper appreciation of our shared human experience.

22.83 x 34.65

Oil on ACM Panel

Caleb Clark.jpg

Click artwork to view details (it may take a few seconds to load)

Pastel Dreamer, 2024
Oil on ACM Panel
22.83 x 34.65

Oil on Linen Mounted on Cradled Panel

25 x 30

Pastel Dreamer explores a sense of reverie – of dreaming with eyes open. The swirling, colourful fabric adds to this feeling, suggesting an imaginative, fluid landscape that she is immersed in. In this painting, I wanted to capture a moment of quiet introspection, suspended between reality and dream. My daughter, Kiah, is the muse, and the palette is drawn from her natural love of colour, creativity, and self-expression.”


Narelle Zeller is an Australian representational oil painter based in Canberra, Australia. Largely self-taught, Narelle has developed her practice through a deep appreciation of classical realism and a sustained commitment to observation and painting. Seeking select artist mentorships along the way, she has cultivated an indirect, intuitive approach to painting grounded in realism.


At the heart of her practice lies a desire to create paintings that embody both truth and beauty, as well as hold a strong emotional presence and narrative. Through subtle detail and considered composition, she invites viewers into a space of connection – one that encourages reflection, emotional resonance, and a deeper appreciation of our shared human experience.

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