Sally West at Bronte Beach: Sun, Salt and a Palette Knife

There’s something unmistakably magnetic about Bronte Beach – locals love it and other Sydneysiders enjoy a walk to take in the view, enjoy a dip or relax in the sunshine with a picnic on the grassy knoll. It offers a quieter breakaway from the busy Bondi scene too. The waters are vibrant and when looking from the edge you can clearly see a shift from deep ocean blues to the emerald green shallows of the Bogey Hole. For KAB Gallery artist Sally West, this beachside scene is more than just beautiful—it’s a place rich with memory, movement and muse. Her recent plein air painting sessions at Bronte have resulted in a striking body of work, now available at both KAB Galleries and online at KABGallery.com. With her trademark thick oil texture and muted colour palette, Sally brings to canvas the sensory richness of the beach, all while capturing the energy of this iconic beachside suburb.

“I lived in Bondi on and off throughout the ‘90s,” she tells me. “I used to regularly walk to Bronte for a swim, a change of scene, or to hang out at the café strip. It’s a beautiful beach and the overall vibe is just special.” It’s obvious to see these memories in her work, layered not just with oil paint, but with nostalgia and familiarity with the place.

Painting en plein air at Bronte is no quiet retreat. Sally is often approached by curious passers-by who are interested to know more about her brush—or rather, palette knife—at work. “People usually ask what paint I’m using or where they can see more. Some want to know if the painting is for sale on the spot. Others ask if I have a website.” (You’ll be pleased to know the answer is yes—KABGallery.com.)

This series beautifully showcases Bronte’s waters – the turquoise calm of the rockpool, the soft jade tones of the Bogey Hole, and the deeper blues of the open ocean beyond. “I love painting Bronte because of the difference in water colours from the pool to the ocean,” Sally explains. “I don’t have a favourite, but I’m in love with any clear waters.” These subtle shifts in hue and tone are translated through Sally’s butter paint. Its applied thick and often described as a type of “sculptural paintwork”. I can help but adore how each stroke of her palette knife shows a touch of reflecting light. It brings the painted view to life and invites you to get up close to admire the varying tones and layers of colour.

She laughs when I ask if she’s ever tempted to put down the brushes and go for a swim mid-session. “Always! I often swim at the end of a painting session, though by that time I’m pretty tired. Plein air painting is hard work—the gear is heavy, and you’re exposed to the elements. But when I’m painting, I’m constantly looking at the water wishing I was in it. It’s like looking into a cake shop window when you’re starving!”

Her affection for Bronte’s water doesn’t stop with its colours. “The Bogey Hole is magical,” she says. “It feels really safe when the tide is right. There’s a sense of fun and freedom—gentle little waves, and a place to just float around. I’ve swum in both the Bogey Hole and the Bronte Beach Pool. They’re both iconic, but in different ways.”

Even when working from the studio using reference photos, Sally paints from memory, instinct and emotion. This becomes evident in one painting featuring two lively red cars near the beach—a pop of energy in an otherwise natural palette. “There were no red cars in the photo,” she admits. “I just went with what I felt. I think I’ve captured that lively energy that comes with summer.”

This emotional authenticity, coupled with her technique, makes Sally West’s Bronte series a standout. Every work is infused with a lived experience—whether it’s the thrill of summer surf, the hum of café life, or the relaxed joy of floating in the Bogey Hole.

These paintings are now available to view and purchase at KAB Gallery Terrigal, KAB Gallery Sydney, and online at KABGallery.com. If you’re a collector drawn to Australian coastal landscapes, or simply a lover of thick oil texture and style, this series is a must-see.

Bronte Study 2 (11.2.23)

Bronte Beach

Bronte Study 3 (11.1.23)

Bronte View – Sydney (10.5.22)

About the author

Kerry-Anne Blanket

Director & Curator - KAB Gallery

KAB Gallery’s Kerry-Anne Blanket holds a Bachelor of Visual Arts and two Masters degrees (Hons) from the University of Sydney. With an extensive career in art education along with the management of museums and investment art galleries, Kerry-Anne can offer premier art consulting to her clients and source specially requested works. 

She has a keen eye for detail, comprehensive art market knowledge and a love of all things beautiful. Kerry-Anne works directly with artists and collectors alike to curate interesting and eclectic exhibitions.