Felicity Rutherford

Meet the Artist

Why Abstract ?

I DON’T PAINT PICTURES - I DON’T PAINT PRETTY

I PAINT MY EMOTIONAL CONNECTIONS TO THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTS I HAVE AROUND ME.

The sub-conscious link of the colour choices and marks that I am instinctively making guide me to the emotions and memories that are shaping the narrative of the work.  

Creating in this way is my joy.  The push and pull that gets me to a ‘finished work’.  Being able to look into the final outcome and see the previous layers - either as texture or as a hazy visual reference - gives the work a history and depth which creates a personality all of its own.  When my soul feels that all of these elements are combining together and speaking their truth, I know it is done.  I also love to include some unexpected – often almost hidden – moments to provoke a sense of wonder and/or curiosity.  I use these to pull a viewer in closer to inspect, and to hopefully walk away being thoughtfully awakened and/or intrigued by the interaction.

I also derive a great deal of joy from being with someone interacting with my work. Watching them using their lived experience to frame their interpretation of the work – which is often quite different to mine - is always an interesting and enlightening experience.  The fact that a visual work can be so ‘multi-lingual’ in this way – and having the work speak its story to them quite uniquely as their own - is always amazing. 

It is always very special being able to awaken some joy in others with my work, and I never take that gift for granted. 

Enjoy your browse…

Feel free to reach out and contact me should you have any questions. I will be more than happy to assist you in any way I can.

Felicity Rutherford.

‘Thoughtful and evocative with a sensitive use of abstraction’.

Based on the Sunshine Coast, Felicity’s practice is informed by the natural environments that surround her, including coastlines, hinterlands, rural spaces and the subtle rhythms of everyday life. While she has painted for many years, recent seasons have seen her dedicate more time to her creative practice, embracing the confidence, curiosity and joy that comes with it.

Working abstractly, Felicity builds layered, textural compositions that feel intuitive and gently considered. Marks, fragments and soft colour shifts come together in works that invite pause rather than demand attention, reflecting memory, landscape and quiet observation rather than direct representation.

Irene Mengel

Gallerist, Aspire Gallery, Brisbane. ‍ ‍

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Close-up of Felicity Rutherford artist - smiling. She has wavy blonde hair and looks very happy.
Irene from Aspire Gallery holding a framed, abstract, modern art painting with black, white, gray, tan, and beige geometric shapes by Felicity Rutherford. This work is created using many varieties of media and is named 'Urban Deviations'
Close-up of paintbrushes arranged in a holder, with shelves of books blurred in the background.
Interior corner with a wooden chair, white fluffy cushion, tall white vase with dried branches, abstract artwork on the wall.
Woman holding an art award standing next to abstract blue artwork at an art exhibition.
Person holding a large framed abstract painting with shades of blue and black, Aspire art gallery with other paintings on the wall. The Artwork is 'The Fading Light of Summer'
Felicity standing in an art gallery, with abstract artwork on the wall.
Aspire art gallery display featuring seven abstract paintings created by Felicity Rutherford on a white wall, with various sizes and styles. There are four smaller framed pieces on a white bench below,
A gallery flyer featuring Felicity Rutherford's abstract artwork with a biography, exhibition info, and QR code.

My Art is currently on exhibit at : ‍ ‍

  • Aspire Gallery, Paddington, Brisbane‍ ‍Kennedy Terrace, Brisbane

  • ‘Top 100’ - Petite Pieces Exhibition, Aspire Gallery. Exhibition and Online Catalogue Available.

  • First Coffee Co. Cafe - Wellington Point, Brisbane (The Coffee is AMAZING and the Cafe is open 6:30am until 11:30am 7 days a week.) I have works (see links below) available to view or purchase if you so desire.

‍ ‍Garden Party‍ The Dance of a Summer Storm‍ Standing Tall‍ Immersed in Green

  • Incognito Art Show - 2026 Exhibition and Online Catalogue Available NOW. I have donated three works to this fund raising event. Please check my listings for information about the show.

  • My Studio - Please contact me should you like to view current works in person. I will be happy to organise a mutually convenient time to meet with you and show you around.

Upcoming Events :

  • ’Hidden Hearts’ - Small Art. Big Hearts. Art Show - 2026 I have donated two works that will be available through this event. Please check my listings for information about the show.

  • ‘Wardle Partners - Accountants and Advisors’ 8 Otranto Avenue, Caloundra. Work will be hanging in their foyer September through December, 2026.

  • CACA (Caloundra Arts Centre Association) AAA Art Group Exhibition

    5 North Street, Caloundra - 26th and 27th September, 2026

Felicity holding an art award standing next to her Member's Prize' winning abstract painting on display at Matthew Flinders Art Prize 2025.
Abstract artwork hanging above a white sofa with white cushions, a coffee table with candles, a vase with greenery, and a gray blanket in a modern living room.
Person holding a large, framed abstract painting with shades of blue, black, and white, in an art gallery.
Abstract colorful painting with shades of blue, green, and yellow featuring various geometric shapes and patterns.
Irene from Aspire Gallery holding a framed, abstract, modern art painting with black, white, gray, tan, and beige geometric shapes by Felicity Rutherford. This work is created using many varieties of media and is named 'Urban Deviations'
Aspire art gallery display featuring seven abstract paintings created by Felicity Rutherford on a white wall, with various sizes and styles. There are four smaller framed pieces on a white bench below,
'Circles on Squares' original hand painted trinket box
A Journey to Somewhere and Urban Deviations displayed as a pair over Funky utensils on shelves
'Poolside' original hand painted trinket box
Moments of Clarity Lost in Time with Japanese Inspired decor on dark bench.
A pile of used paintbrushes, palette knives, and other painting tools on a messy work table surrounded by paint cans and supplies.
A cozy reading nook with a wicker armchair draped with a white fluffy throw, a side table holding a white vase with dried branches, and an abstract painting on a gray wall.