Ella Baudinet | An Exclusive Interview | Art Serves As A Bridge To The Divine

An Exclusive Interview With
Ella Baudinet
Spiritual Oil Painting. A fascinating Merging of abstraction, realism, and surrealism.

Art Serves As A Bridge To The Divine

Ella Baudinet is an outstanding Australian artist who currently resides and creates her art in the vibrant city of London. She is celebrated for her distinctive oil painting style, which skillfully blends elements of abstraction, realism, and surrealism. Baudinet’s work serves as a conduit for expression, allowing her to explore themes of healing, wellness, and the sacred through her art.

“I reject the dismissal of beauty in art. I long for artworks that take my breath away, leave me in awe of their craftsmanship and make my body resonate with a sense of greatness. I want my soul to comprehend these creations rather than simply my intellect.”

From a young age, Baudinet has been deeply driven by her inner voice, guiding her in forging a unique artistic style. Her ethereal oil paintings invite viewers into a dreamlike realm where human figures gracefully emerge from swirling clouds of color, evoking a sense of mystery and wonder. Working on a grand scale, she draws upon diverse influences, intricately intertwining them to manifest her unique creative vision.
Although Baudinet mastered photorealism as a teenager, she soon yearned for more depth and emotional resonance in her work. This introspective journey led her to trust her instincts, resulting in the evolution of her distinctive style. Today, her striking canvases beautifully blend classical artistic elements with figures reminiscent of Baroque art, all while infusing modern sensibilities that resonate with contemporary viewers.

Since relocating to London, Baudinet has experienced significant growth as an artist. She continually produces exceptional pieces that reflect her authentic vision by staying true to her instincts. Her goal is to inspire viewers to embark on journeys of self-discovery and meaning, offering uplifting and engaging paintings encouraging introspection. She intentionally distances herself from the contemporary art scene, which she perceives as often exclusionary and focused on evoking discomfort.

Over the past eight years as a dedicated full-time artist, Ella has cultivated strong connections with clients and galleries. Her mesmerizing artwork has found a home in private collections around the globe, with a significant presence in Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Spain, a testament to her widespread appeal and artistic impact.

Art Market Magazine: We are thrilled to present this interview with you, Ella Baudinet. We have followed your artistic journey in the past years and are genuinely impressed by your stunning oil paintings. Let’s begin by discussing your background and how it has shaped you into the artist you are today.
Did you grow up in an artistic environment? If I’m not mistaken, you began your creative journey very young while growing up in Australia. What can you share about that experience?

Ella Baudinet: It’s an honor to be here! I was lucky enough to grow up in a household where my parents encouraged my brother and me to follow our passions, no matter what they were—he’s an accountant and marathon runner, and I’m an artist. I attribute much of my success to my family’s constant support and encouragement.
My father was a creative parent. He made art when he was younger but seemed to stop once he had us kids, apart from the occasional drawing of cartoon characters when we were young. Time got away, and he still talks about drawing and painting again but never seems to get around to it.
A part of me carried on creating art to ensure I never stopped doing what I loved, no matter the circumstances. I hope it will inspire him to pick up the pencils or paintbrush again. My parents gave us a lot of time to use our imagination; we lived on a mountainside and then by the ocean for most of my childhood, which fostered a great sense of play and connection to nature and the world around us. It wasn’t an artistic upbringing per se- but there was always a great appreciation and respect for art and music, and I was always drawing as a child. 

“Get out of your own way. You’ll spend a lot of time alone with your thoughts, so make sure you enjoy your own company – take it as an opportunity to heal if you struggle with this.”

Art Market Magazine:
The Renaissance period has influenced your current artistic style, particularly in how you portray figures and the associations they evoke. How did you develop the ability to create such high-technique realistic figures, and what can you tell us about the skills you gained during your academic years?

Ella Baudinet: Realistic painting has always come naturally to me because I spent so much time on it during my adolescence, and it has become second nature. Essentially, I have always aimed to make each artwork better than the last as I am very curious to see how far I can take it. Beauty is essential to inspire and uplift and can come in many forms. It is not superficial beauty but beauty as a lens of optimism we see in the world.
For background, I was shocked during my journey through art school as I found that beauty was mocked, rejected, and heavily criticized. It was an environment that fostered more of the conceptual over anything remotely traditional. Both the concept and refinement of skills are essential in art, however, the mounds of dirt on the floor and plain planks of wood leaning against walls were praised by staff. All the while, the lecturers rejected the early adaptations of my current style. In fact, there was no real place for beauty in my art education was surprising.
I was actually told to take all my paintings to the dump except for one that the teacher decided he liked. I’m pretty stubborn when it comes to making art and know when I’m in alignment with the bigger picture, so I never took the feedback too personally, but around me, I saw many of the students who also wanted to create beautiful work receive constant criticism. Many students stopped making art entirely after our art school experience, and it breaks my heart to see the damage it caused. It created a more extraordinary passion/purpose in me to create incredibly refined and powerful art to show others that making beautiful things is okay! It sounds weird to say that, but there’s just so much pretentiousness in the art world.
Powerful art has a depth that can’t necessarily be explained yet is deeply felt. Even if more so, especially by those with no background in it. 

The Renaissance references in my work are an ode to the old masters who pushed their skills to the limit in their lifetimes. Their dedication and craftsmanship are deeply inspiring, and I rarely find that same sense of mastery in contemporary art. There’s been a noticeable decline in learning fundamental painting skills, evident in much of today’s work.
Unlike many contemporary artists, most Modernists first practiced realism before breaking down the elements; that foundation is clear in their attention to detail. It’s frustrating to see this decline now, especially when we have more tools and resources than ever to create truly breathtaking art.
I want to inspire other artists to follow their instincts, create authentically, and pursue beauty without being constrained by the expectations of institutions.  

“I have embraced a growth mindset in every aspect of my life since becoming an artist. As a result, I continue to create increasingly beautiful work. While my paintings contain themes of darkness and suffering as profound teachers, I emphasize beauty, steering towards an overall message of optimism.”

Art Market Magazine:
Your large-scale oil paintings present a unique artistic style, combined fascinatingly, blending elements of abstraction, realism, and surrealism. How and when was this unique style developed?

Ella Baudinet: To illustrate my artistic evolution, I’ll share my journey year by year. Before 2012, my focus was predominantly on realism, with occasional flirtations with surrealism. This exploration laid the groundwork for my artistic identity as I prepared to enter art school.
Between 2013 and 2015, during my time in art school, I found myself at odds with many of the prevailing values being taught. However, I seized the opportunity to explore a vast array of artistic styles, pushing myself beyond the boundaries of my comfort zone. I loosened my brushwork, embraced hands-on techniques, and even ventured into the realm of conceptual art.
In 2014, about halfway through this transformative experience, I had a striking vision of my future work—dreamy, otherworldly paintings that seemed to exist in a realm beyond the ordinary.
The pieces I created that year offered a tantalizing glimpse into the artistic path I would ultimately follow.
From 2016 to 2018, I entered what I refer to as “my black-and-white era.” During this time, I intentionally limited my palette to stark black and white, driven by my desire to peel back layers and uncover my distinctive style.
This period illuminated the notion that I was compelled to elevate my creativity, making the most of what I had with fewer tools at my disposal. The vision from 2014 served as a guiding star as I embarked on an intuitive painting journey, shifting away from realism. I yearned to discover what could emerge if I allowed my instincts to steer the creative process, painting without the constraints of preconceived notions.

From 2019 to 2020, I realized that my intuitive painting practice had reached a plateau, and I longed for new tools to help me realize my vision more fully.
This revelation led me to create my first artwork in Photoshop, establishing a digital blueprint before the paint met the canvas. This innovative approach unlocked a realm of endless possibilities, allowing me to draw, refine, and explore my ideas without the constraints of time and materials.
As I entered 2021 and 2022, a profound spiritual awakening transformed my artistic practice. Daily meditation became a cornerstone of my routine, fostering deeper insights and an enhanced connection to my craft. During this period, I meticulously crafted all my artwork digitally before painting, forging a clearer path from vision to realization.
From 2023 to the present, my meditation practice has continued to profoundly shape my art. Paintings now emerge from my meditative visions, manifesting as swirling figures and intricate formations. I’ve also found myself increasingly drawn to the rich imagery of Renaissance figures, integrating these timeless influences into my current work.

The Renaissance references in my work are an ode to the old masters who pushed their skills to the limit in their lifetimes. Their dedication and craftsmanship are deeply inspiring, and I rarely find that same sense of mastery in contemporary art.”

Art Market Magazine: Can you describe an average workday?

Ella Baudinet: I’m a Virgo, so I must stay organized and keep a routine! My day starts with planning and reflecting over a morning coffee. I like to set tasks and write in a journal to map out the day ahead. The first hour after waking is crucial for setting the tone and energy for the day. After that, I’ll work out, practice yoga, meditate, and send off a few emails before heading to the studio to paint. My working hours vary depending on where I’m at with a piece, and I could paint anywhere from 1 to 12 hours a day. While painting,  I love listening to podcasts, anything from educational topics to comedy that gives me a good laugh. After dinner, I often head back to the studio for another hour or two before meditating and reading before bed. I’ve been trying to limit my phone use lately, so I’ve deleted all my social apps to stay focused and avoid distractions!

Art Market Magazine: Let’s discuss spirituality more profoundly. Can you share the significance of spirituality and the connection to the divine in your creative process?

Ella Baudinet: Spirituality has been intrinsic to my art in recent years and has positively shifted it. I’d say that the more I connect with my spiritual side, the more beautiful my art becomes. Spirituality has been paired with a long journey of healing for me.
I remember finding it difficult when I started out as a full-time artist to sit alone with my thoughts for long periods. Art has always been my motivator for healing so I could actually live out my dreams. If we don’t have our health, physically and mentally, we have only a sliver of our full potential. When I’ve referenced my healing work, many people associate this as an expression of something traumatic that happened in the past. This isn’t necessarily the case.

Everyone is the way they are for a reason, from minor things in childhood to social messaging. We all have a responsibility to ourselves and others to self-reflect on our choices. We have the power to be a light to others, to bring them up or down, and that effect flows on and on. 
The connection to spirit came naturally through that process, especially in mediation, and has made me feel supported and backed at every step. The universe is always conspiring in our favor to allow us to live up to our full potential. Everything we experience is a lesson; everything that happens to us is a gift. Humans are a very self-involved species, and our society encourages a very individualistic way of thinking. Having a connection with something greater than ourselves allows us to recognize how our choices affect not only ourselves but also others, and therefore, we have a responsibility to do the best we can with the tools we’ve been given. I hope my work can inspire and uplift others and encourage people to be bold enough to follow what feels right and true to them, no matter how it looks to those around them or society. We create our own reality. Everything is possible.

Art Market Magazine: You have achieved significant success in group and solo exhibitions in recent years. Notably, in 2023, you held a solo exhibition titled “Embodied Visions” while participating in an artist residency at The ARX gallery in London. The exhibition showcased over 20 original artworks you created. 
What feedback have you received from viewers regarding your work?

Ella Baudinet: The response to the paintings has been overwhelmingly positive! When I stand with people in front of them, fascinating conversations often arise about what they see and how the paintings make them feel.
A common remark is that viewing the art feels like looking into a dream.
The paintings are intricately layered, making it challenging to capture their essence in photographs, especially the larger pieces; they are best experienced in person. Standing before a painting that fills your entire field of vision and completely immerses you in it is a truly powerful experience.

One of the greatest compliments I receive is from people who usually have no interest in art but find themselves in awe of the work. It’s incredibly rewarding when my art resonates with someone on a deeper level, taking them by surprise and potentially sparking a newfound interest in art!

Art Market Magazine: What can art collectors and viewers expect in 2025? Are there any upcoming exhibitions? Where can collectors find your work?

Ella Baudinet: I have an upcoming solo exhibition in April at S Gallery in Madrid. S Gallery is the physical presence of Saisho Art, one of the leading art advisors in Spain and Latin America. It’s been about 18 months since my last solo Exhibition, so I can’t wait to show my new collection very soon! 
Art Market Magazine: What advice do you have for young artists entering the current art market?

“The Renaissance references in my work are an ode to the old masters who pushed their skills to the limit in their lifetimes. Their dedication and craftsmanship are deeply inspiring, and I rarely find that same sense of mastery in contemporary art.”

Ella Baudinet: Wow, so much. Being creative is an incredibly unique pathway, so getting in touch with your inner voice is important to ensure you’re being true to yourself. Connect with that part of yourself that knows what is in alignment for you and listen to it. Meditation helps this. Don’t try to be anything other than your authentic self. Only take advice if it resonates with you, and leave the rest (no matter who it’s coming from). Always maintain a growth mindset. Don’t settle for one style or rinse and repeat year after year; always challenge yourself to evolve and refine your skills. In saying that, if you’re just starting out and haven’t quite found your flow yet, experiment with absolutely everything without being precious about it.
Get messy, make art for the trash can, and just play. Have fun in that space of the unknown, for it’s here that anything is possible. Be hyped about your own work, and praise yourself! There’s so much stigma around owning your talents as an artist; be proud of your hard work. Scream from the rooftops that you are amazing; you’ve earned the compliments. You have to be obsessed with your own work. If you’re not, how can you expect others to be? Share about yourself and your work; oftentimes, people want to know more about the person behind the brush than the art itself.
Share your ideas, musings, beliefs, whatever makes you you. Being an artist is much more than just making art – sometimes, the number of hats you wear can be overwhelming, so staying organized is crucial. You’re not only making your product; you are responsible for marketing it and getting it seen. This includes admin, emails, website development and upkeep, photography/videoing, social media management, taxes, supply runs, liaising with clients and galleries, etc. Keep lists and goals written down at all times. You are a business; treat it like one.
Show up daily and do the work, even if you don’t like it. Don’t wait for inspiration; in fact, I don’t believe in artist’s block. Do the inner work and remove any self-limiting beliefs you have about your success, making money, opportunities, your next artwork, or whatever it is.

Get out of your own way. You’ll spend a lot of time alone with your thoughts, so make sure you enjoy your own company – take it as an opportunity to heal if you struggle with this.
There’s never been a more advantageous time for artists to be alive – we can reach countless people online through social platforms, so make the most of this.
Being an artist can be a long game, so don’t expect overnight success. Build a solid foundation.
Be self-aware enough to know your strengths and weaknesses, and play to your strengths. Revel in the process, don’t take yourself too seriously, and have fun!!
That’s what it’s all about.

See the full article in Art Market Magazine Issue #100