Howard Searchfield

Over a decade of Art: Est. 2013

Howard Searchfield is an Australian artist recognised for his evocative seascapes that capture the shifting mood and movement of the ocean. Searchfield explores the raw energy and quiet stillness of coastal environments through his detailed contemporary oil paintings.

While his body of work also extends to equine studies and portraiture, it is his ocean paintings that have become a defining focus of his career. These works have attracted increasing attention within the art prize scene, where his ability to translate the complexity of the sea into compelling visual compositions continues to resonate.

Searchfield’s paintings are distinguished by their soft, considered colour palettes and a strong sense of atmospheric depth. Through layered brushwork and careful observation, he captures the rhythm of tidal surf, the weight of incoming swell and the ever-changing sky above. Each piece offers a unique interpretation of the coastline, balancing movement with moments of calm.

Working in oil on canvas, his technique allows for both subtle transitions and richly textured passages, inviting the viewer to engage closely with the surface of the work. From a distance, his paintings present as serene coastal scenes; up close, they reveal intricate detail and a nuanced handling of light, air and water.

KAB Gallery is proud to represent Howard Searchfield in New South Wales, presenting a curated selection of his original works across our Terrigal and Neutral Bay galleries. His paintings are held in private collections and continue to appeal to collectors seeking contemporary Australian coastal art with both presence and longevity.

Searchfield’s work ultimately offers more than a snapshot of the ocean — it reflects an ongoing dialogue with nature. He paints fleeting moments that feel both powerful and enduring.