Renate du Plessis

Renate du Plessis is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist based in the Murrurundi/Scone area, specialising in detailed wildlife and animal portraiture.

Originally from South Africa, she relocated to Australia in 2017, and after two decades in the thoroughbred industry became a full-time artist in September 2024.

Her signature style leaves out the background entirely, creating an intimate, soulful focus on the animal or subject itself, often worked in fine coloured pencil and watercolour detail; more recently she has expanded into still life, as in her sardine-themed "Brine & Shine."

Her gallery and working studio at 144 Mayne Street, Murrurundi, shows lifelike charcoal and pencil sketches of native flora and fauna and farm life, alongside limited-edition Giclée prints and commissions.

She’s a regular presence at local community events, exhibiting at the Scone Grammar School FETE and the Scone Arts & Crafts Inc membership exhibition, and showing work at Winmark Winery Art Gallery in Broke.

Since going full-time she has picked up a run of awards, including the Potter Macqueen Prize (Scone Art Competition, 2025), second place for "Brine & Shine" in Still Life at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, the Major Prize and People’s Choice Award at the Bendemeer Art Show for "Faithful Gaze," and the Hall & Wilcox Newcastle Emerging Artist Award.

See more on her website, or follow her on Instagram and Facebook.