{"title":"Carol Forbes Croad Original Artwork","description":"\u003cp\u003eCarol Forbes Croad is a contemporary realist painter whose work is shaped by a lifelong passion for art, travel and observation. Trained at St Martin's School of Art in London, she graduated in 1971 with a strong foundation in drawing and technical discipline. After a successful career in fashion buying — including a role as womenswear buyer for the Harrods group — Carol moved to Australia in 1986 and returned to painting full-time in 2004.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWorking in watercolour and oils, Carol paints from life wherever possible, drawing inspiration from the Australian landscape, native flora and fauna, and her travels across the Kimberley, India, China and Europe. Her work aims to create a deeply personal connection with the viewer — art that evokes memory and emotion, and is lived with and enjoyed every day.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"treasures-of-the-south-pacific","title":"Treasures Of The South Pacific , Original Artwork","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"b1027cdd-ba61-4caf-b479-4c7d97803395\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-3\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"57\" data-end=\"339\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"57\" data-end=\"89\"\u003eTreasures of the South Pacific\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e91.5 cm x 61 cm x 3.5 cm oil painting on stretched canvas, unframed, wire across the back, ready to hang but not framed and signed on the front.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThis work is a celebration of the quiet beauty and rich abundance found along the shoreline. In this still life, I have gathered shells and ocean-worn objects as if they were precious keepsakes—each one shaped by time, tide, and the unseen rhythms of the sea.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"341\" data-end=\"646\"\u003eI was drawn to the sculptural elegance of the shells: their curves, spirals, and luminous surfaces echoing both fragility and resilience. By arranging them together, I aimed to create a sense of harmony and gentle movement, as though the ocean itself has momentarily paused to reveal its hidden treasures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"648\" data-end=\"982\"\u003eThe soft blue ground suggests both sky and sea, blurring the boundary between the two and allowing the forms to exist in a tranquil, almost dreamlike space. Light plays across the surfaces, highlighting subtle textures and iridescent colours, inviting the viewer to look closely and appreciate the intricate detail of nature’s design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"984\" data-end=\"1280\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eThis work reflects my ongoing fascination with natural objects and their ability to evoke memory, place, and wonder. It is both a tribute to the South Pacific’s coastal beauty and a reminder of the simple, enduring joy found in collecting and observing the small treasures left behind by the sea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Carol Forbes Croad Original Art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46181118214330,"sku":"Carol Forbes Croad 001","price":1930.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/5445\/1289\/files\/Treasures-Of-The-South-Pacific-by-Carol-Forbes-Croad-original-art-Gioia.jpg?v=1784647867"},{"product_id":"eye-do-hibiscus","title":"Eye Do Hibiscus , Original Artwork","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"7961c353-62f9-42dd-a641-0e6a7f5f7b88\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-5\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"452\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"21\"\u003eEye Do – Hibiscus\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTransparent watercolour painting with professional frame in limed oak on a floating mount in pale grey\/blush 105 cm x 85cm x 2.5cm signed on the front.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e I explore the exuberant beauty of tropical hibiscus blooms in the luminous qualities of transparent watercolour. The vibrant oranges, corals and golds radiate warmth and vitality, while the flowing petals create a sense of movement and individuality within each flower. Set against a clean white background, the blooms appear almost suspended like botanical species in light, allowing their delicate textures and intricate forms to become the focus.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"454\" data-end=\"840\"\u003eIn this work, I was drawn to the contrast between strength and fragility — the bold presence of the hibiscus flowers balanced by their fleeting, delicate nature. Careful layering of transparent washes allowed me to capture the soft transitions of colour and the velvety texture of the petals, while the fresh greens of the foliage provide harmony and balance throughout the composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"842\" data-end=\"1009\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"842\" data-end=\"850\"\u003eEye Do\u003c\/em\u003e celebrates the joy, elegance and transient beauty found in nature, inviting the viewer to pause and appreciate the brilliance and individuality of each bloom. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Carol Forbes Croad Original Art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46181120508090,"sku":"Carol Forbes Croad 003","price":1950.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/5445\/1289\/files\/Eye-Do-Hibiscus-by-Carol-Forbes-Croad-original-art-Gioia-2.jpg?v=1784647874"},{"product_id":"cassowaries-beware-1-23030390","title":"Cassowaries Beware , Original Artwork","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"164da9d1-030a-4e71-8676-4b80d0a16f06\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-3\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"70\" data-end=\"344\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"73\" data-end=\"93\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCassowaries Beware \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e63.5x89.5x3.0 professionally window-mounted in white and framed in dark oak, signed on the front.\u003cem data-start=\"73\" data-end=\"93\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI explore the striking presence and quiet authority of one of Australia’s most formidable birds. The cassowary, with its vivid blues and reds set against deep, velvety plumage, is both beautiful and intimidating—a living relic of ancient landscapes.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"346\" data-end=\"635\"\u003eThis work focuses on the intensity of their gaze and the sculptural form of their casque, drawing the viewer into an intimate encounter. By placing the two birds close together, I aimed to suggest both companionship and a subtle tension, reflecting their complex and often solitary nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"637\" data-end=\"963\"\u003eWatercolour allows me to balance control with spontaneity—soft washes build the depth of their feathers, while more deliberate brushwork defines the intricate textures and bold colouring of their skin. The contrast between fluid pigment and precise detail mirrors the cassowary itself: elegant, yet powerful and unpredictable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"965\" data-end=\"1133\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eUltimately, this painting is a celebration of Australia’s unique wildlife and a reminder of the respect these remarkable creatures command in their natural environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Carol Forbes Croad Original Art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46181122343098,"sku":"Carol Forbes Croad 004","price":1930.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/5445\/1289\/files\/007_2018_ee9811ce-32d0-4500-9f8d-875757c00d6c.jpg?v=1784773991"},{"product_id":"summer-shells","title":"Summer Shells , Original Artwork","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"5f6b8e4e-47a5-41f5-ab3c-c257ae99fe90\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-3\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eSummer Shells\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e45.5 cm x 45.5 cm x 3.5 cm oil painting on stretched canvas with a wire across the back, ready to hang but not framed.\u003cbr\u003eSigned on the front.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA celebration of coastal memory, where light, texture, and form come together to evoke the quiet beauty of the seaside. The composition brings together a collection of shells—each uniquely shaped and delicately coloured—arranged around a patterned bowl, suggesting both curation and contemplation.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIn this work, I was drawn to the interplay of warm and cool tones: the sunlit oranges and pinks of the shells contrast with the soft, muted background and the deep blues of the ceramic vessel. This balance allows the objects to feel both grounded and luminous, as though held in a fleeting moment of afternoon light. The shadows are gentle yet purposeful, extending the forms and creating a sense of stillness and space.The shells themselves carry a sense of journey and time—formed by the ocean, shaped by tides, and gathered as quiet treasures. By placing them within a domestic setting, I aim to bridge the natural world and human experience, inviting the viewer to reflect on their own encounters with place, memory, and collection. Ultimately, \u003cem data-start=\"1112\" data-end=\"1127\"\u003eSummer Shells\u003c\/em\u003e is about simplicity and appreciation—finding beauty in everyday objects and in the subtle, enduring connection between land, sea, and home.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Carol Forbes Croad Original Art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46181306663098,"sku":"Carol Forbes Croad 002","price":900.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/5445\/1289\/files\/Summer-Shells-by-Carol-Forbes-Croad-original-art-Gioia.jpg?v=1784647934"},{"product_id":"lobster-duo","title":"Lobster Duo , Original Artwork","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"\u003eLobster Duo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003eTransparent watercolour painting on stretched paper, professionally double-mounted and framed in light oak, 65.5 cm x 52.5 cm x 2.5 cm \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePositioned in close proximity, these live blue lobsters almost intertwine, suggesting both harmony and subtle rivalry—a moment suspended between interaction and independence.\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"1c20e085-6410-4945-b196-1eb7fefafd37\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-3\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"404\" data-end=\"829\"\u003eWorking in transparent watercolour allows me to build the lobsters’ shells through layered washes, capturing the luminous blues, violets, and soft earth tones that shift across their surfaces. I am drawn to the contrast between the delicacy of the medium and the hardness of the subject; the fluidity of pigment echoes the movement of water, while the articulated forms of claws and antennae speak of strength and resilience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"831\" data-end=\"1132\"\u003eLight plays a central role, defining volume and texture while casting soft shadows that anchor the figures on my kitchen bench. By isolating the lobsters against a minimal background, I invite attention to their intricate structures and subtle colour variations, encouraging a closer, more contemplative viewing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1134\" data-end=\"1356\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eThis work reflects my ongoing fascination with natural forms—how they embody both fragility and endurance. \"Highly Commended\" Doyles Art Awards 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Carol Forbes Croad Original Art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46188012241082,"sku":"Carol Forbes Croad 005","price":1100.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/5445\/1289\/files\/Lobster-Duo-by-Carol-Forbes-Croad-original-art-Gioia.jpg?v=1784820851"},{"product_id":"outback-sunset","title":"Outback Sunset , Original Artwork","description":"\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"\u003eOutback Sunset\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOil on canvas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBox-framed in black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e44.5cmx54.5cmx5.5cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSigned on the front, ready to hang\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003eIn \u003cem data-start=\"128\" data-end=\"144\"\u003eOutback Sunset\u003c\/em\u003e, I explore the quiet majesty of the Australian landscape at day’s end, when light and colour transform the ordinary into something deeply reflective and almost timeless. The horizon burns with warm oranges and golds, dissolving upward into cool violets and greys, capturing that fleeting moment when the land exhales and the day gently closes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe distant farm structures sit low against the vast sky, emphasising both human presence and insignificance within this expansive environment. Their silhouettes anchor the composition, while the still water mirrors the sky’s brilliance, creating a sense of balance and calm. Small white birds punctuate the scene, adding life and movement to an otherwise tranquil setting.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the foreground, expressive brushwork and layered textures suggest the richness and unpredictability of native grasses and wild growth. These looser, more gestural marks contrast with the serenity of the middle ground, inviting the viewer to feel both the physicality of the land and the emotional resonance of the moment.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis painting is less about a specific place and more about a shared experience — the stillness, solitude, and quiet beauty found in the Australian outback as the sun slips below the horizon.","brand":"Carol Forbes Croad Original Art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46192358260922,"sku":"006","price":990.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/5445\/1289\/files\/Outback-Sunset-by-Carol-Forbes-Croad-original-art-Gioia-3.jpg?v=1784907143"},{"product_id":"ageing-king-protea-with-banksia","title":"Ageing King Protea With Banksia , Original Artwork","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"8872d6f8-fc10-4386-b798-06969b6c2230\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-5\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eIn \u003cem data-start=\"58\" data-end=\"91\"\u003eAgeing King Protea with Banksia\u003c\/em\u003e, I celebrate the quiet beauty that emerges as nature matures. Rather than portraying flowers at their peak, I was drawn to the dignity and character found in the later stages of life. The majestic King Proteas, accompanied by the textured Banksia and graceful eucalyptus leaves, reveal a richness of form, colour, and resilience that is often overlooked. \u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eCarefully arranged in a simple glass jug, the native blooms become more than botanical specimens—they speak of endurance, transformation, and the passing of time. The warm, understated background allows the sculptural forms and subtle shifts of light to take centre stage, inviting the viewer to appreciate every curve, texture, and fading petal. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eWorking in oil enabled me to build delicate layers of colour and capture the contrasting surfaces of soft petals, leathery foliage, weathered seed pods, and reflective glass. The composition balances strength with fragility, reminding us that beauty is not diminished by age but enriched by experience. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eThis painting is an invitation to pause, to observe the extraordinary details of Australia's native flora, and to find elegance in the natural cycle of growth, maturity, and renewal. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"\u003e\"Highly Commended\" Australian Artists Awards 2025\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling\"\u003eOil on canvas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling\"\u003eProfessional box frame in oak\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e79cmx104cmx4.5cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling\"\u003eSigned on the front, ready to hang\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Carol Forbes Croad Original Art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46192358752442,"sku":"008","price":2970.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/5445\/1289\/files\/Ageing-King-Protea-With-Banksia-by-Carol-Forbes-Croad-original-art-Gioia.jpg?v=1784907147"},{"product_id":"summer-afternoon-curtis-falls","title":"Summer Afternoon Curtis Falls , Original Artwork","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"\u003eIn \u003cem data-start=\"147\" data-end=\"179\"\u003eSummer Afternoon, Curtis Falls\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eI explore the quiet intimacy of a hidden natural sanctuary, where light, water, and foliage converge in a moment of calm. The cascading falls, softened by dappled sunlight, become both a focal point and a gentle rhythm within the composition, drawing the viewer inward toward the cool, reflective pool below.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eThis work is less about precise topography and more about the sensation of being present in such a place—the hush of moving water, the filtered warmth of afternoon light, and the layered density of the surrounding bush. I have used loose, expressive brushwork and a shifting palette of cool blues and vibrant greens to evoke movement and atmosphere, allowing edges to dissolve and reform as they might in memory.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eThe contrast between shadow and illumination plays a central role, suggesting both depth and the fleeting nature of light in a forested environment. The painting invites the viewer to pause, to step into the stillness, and to reconnect with the restorative qualities of the natural world.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 16px;\"\u003eOriginal oil on canvas\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 16px;\"\u003ebox-framed in black\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 16px;\"\u003e54.5cmx44.5cmx5.5cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 16px;\"\u003eSigned on the front.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Carol Forbes Croad Original Art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46192359014586,"sku":"007","price":990.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/5445\/1289\/files\/Summer-Afternoon-Curtis-Falls-by-Carol-Forbes-Croad-original-art-Gioia.jpg?v=1784907153"},{"product_id":"gouldian-finches-in-blue","title":"Gouldian Finches In Blue","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal oil on linen \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e61 cm x 61 cm x 3.5 cm with a wire across the back ready to hang.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGouldian Finches in Blue explores the intersection of still life and the vitality of the natural world. The carefully arranged domestic objects—a white enamel jug, a decorated cup, oranges, and rich blue drapery—create a familiar, quiet setting that is animated by the presence of four brilliantly coloured Gouldian finches. Their vivid plumage contrasts with the restrained palette of the background, bringing movement, energy, and a sense of joyful unpredictability to an otherwise tranquil composition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eLight plays a central role in the painting, casting bold shadows that become shapes in their own right, adding depth and inviting the viewer to look beyond the objects themselves. The cool blues of the cloth and ceramic surfaces are balanced by the warmth of the oranges and the earthy background, creating a harmonious dialogue between complementary colours.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eThe Gouldian finches symbolise beauty, resilience, and the delicate balance of nature. By placing these wild birds within a domestic still life, the work suggests that nature is never separate from our everyday lives—it coexists with us, bringing colour, wonder, and moments of quiet reflection into ordinary spaces.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eThis painting celebrates observation, colour, and the enduring tradition of still life while inviting viewers to pause and appreciate the extraordinary within the familiar. It is a reminder that beauty often appears unexpectedly, transforming simple objects and everyday moments into something vibrant and alive.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Carol Forbes Croad Original Art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46207160877242,"sku":"CAROL FORBES CROAD 009","price":1050.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/5445\/1289\/files\/Gouldian-Finches-In-Blue-by-Carol-Forbes-Croad-original-art-Gioia.jpg?v=1785339146"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.gioia.com.au\/collections\/carol-forbes-croad-original-art.oembed","provider":"Gioia Wall Art","version":"1.0","type":"link"}