Rod Bailey is an Australian artist known for his evocative landscapes and portraiture, working predominantly with acrylics and oils.
Born and raised in the small fishing village of Sawtell on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, Bailey initially studied art at the Armidale College of Advanced Education.
However, his artistic journey is largely self-directed, having developed his techniques through literature and the influential book “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain.”
Bailey’s early works were watercolours, but he transitioned to oils, and more recently, he has embraced acrylics, which have featured in some of his most notable exhibitions.
After relocating to Macleay Island, part of Queensland’s Southern Moreton Bay, he has dedicated more time to his craft, producing works that explore the interplay of light, shadow, and colour.
His paintings often incorporate subtle human elements within expansive landscapes, as well as striking portraits that capture character and emotion.
In addition to painting, Rod is skilled in timberwork, creating unique wood carvings and jewellery boxes, often using Australian Red Cedar.
His work has been exhibited in prominent Australian art shows, including the Brisbane Portrait Prize’s Salon des Refusés, The Brisbane Portrait Prize and the prestigious Lester Prize.
He is also an active member of the Macleay Island Arts Centre, where he held his first solo exhibition in 2020, showcasing a diverse range of portraits, landscapes, and handcrafted wood pieces.
Bailey’s art is available through original commissions as well as high-quality giclée prints. His creative life on Macleay Island, shared with fellow artist Faye Benge, continues to inspire his practice and output.
Education
Master of Educational Administration University of New England
Bachelor of Education (With Distinction) University of New England
Diploma of Teaching Armidale College of Advanced Education
Awards
2024—Finalist “Brisbane Portrait Prize” with “Hippy Don”.
2024—Finalist “The Lester Prize” with “Hippy Don” (Withdrew).
2023—Salon des Refusés “The Brisbane Portrait Prize”.
2023 —Finalist “Red Hill Gallery Neu Neu Emerging Artist Competition” 2023—Salon des Refusés “Lethbridge Landscape Prize”.
2022—Finalist “The Lester Prize” with “Joe Geia in Corroboree Park” 2023—Finalist “Splash” Royal Queensland Art Society.
2022—Finalist “The Doyles” with “Living on the Edge.”
2022– Third place MIAC monochrome exhibition with “Dr Eve Newsome presents.”
2021 – Second place MIAC monochrome exhibition with “Joe Turning Red”
2020 – My first ever acrylic painting, “Decisions” was accepted into the Salon des Refusés for the Brisbane Portrait Prize.
Exhibitions
Red Hill Gallery “Neu Neu Emerging Artist Group pop-up exhibition” Redland Bay Shopping Village 2023 Pop-up Gallery for two weeks.
Art St Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital 2022
Macleay Island Arts Complex August 2022 with Joe Geia
Art St Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital 2021
Macleay Island Arts Complex April – May 2020
Check out our Online Gallery for more of our members’ art works.
All works are for sale, contact us for more information.
