Seoyoung Jo is a contemporary artist based in Hunter Valley, Australia, where she draws inspiration from the lush landscapes and vibrant life around her. Originally from South Korea, she moved to Australia in 2007 and began exploring painting just before the pandemic, thanks to an oil painting set gifted by her husband. Her journey took off from there, as she discovered a deep passion for art during the lockdown.
Seoyoung describes her style as "abstract realism", often focusing on animal portraits and floral compositions, especially for commissioned pieces. With influences from artists like Ange Miller and Elli Milan, she’s developed a technique that starts with loose acrylic washes and pastel marks, building up with layers of color to convey a sense of energy and movement.
The artist’s use of color is intuitive, guided by her surroundings and her own emotions. Despite not growing up with animals, Seoyoung has found joy and fascination in painting them, seeing it as an enriching addition to her creative path.
For Seoyoung, art is a way of life—a daily practice that brings fulfillment and personal meaning. She believes in the power of social media for sharing her work and connecting with a broader audience, viewing it as a valuable tool for artists with a business mindset. In the future, she hopes to bring her art into business spaces through custom paintings, creating atmospheres that resonate with her vibrant, life-loving vision.
Here is our interview with her:
Could you introduce yourself to us a little?
I am Seoyoung Jo, contemporary artist in Hunter Valley NSW, Australia. Born in South Korea and moved to Australia in 2007. Happily married with two kids.
How is life going? What are you busy with these days?
My life is very full. I have a small business to run 46hrs 6days a week, and painting 15hr to 20hr a week. I have several commissions lined up for Christmas so animal portraits and flowers are main subjects for my painting at the moment.
When did you first get involved with art? Do you remember your first attempts?
It was just before covid lockdown started. My husband got me an oil painting set to try painting because I have always talked about how much I would like to try learning painting in future (more likely after retirement). Then Covid-19 hit and we all had to be locked inside for several weeks. It was my time to find out my painting skills and I started painting realism landscape. It was hard but it wasn’t bad. It excited me very much.
What are the influences of the region where you live or were born on your art?
I live in small town where surrounded by wineries. This is gorgeous place to live and I get inspired by beautiful nature and people I meet through my life to create my art.
How do you define your art? Is there an art movement that you feel you belong to?
I would like to say my art is abstract realism.
Are there any artists that inspire you or that you admire?
Ange Miller is my art mama who had opened door of my art journey. Elli Milan is huge inspiration and motivation for me. Her dedication, strong belief and encouragement make me keep going strong with my art journey.
Can you tell us a little about the techniques and materials you use?
I start my painting with loose mark making with acrylic washes, inks, pastels then using big brushes with acrylic paint for first layer of painting. Then I move to the smaller brushes on each layers
You use vibrant colors very effectively as a background. Do you have a special interest in creating a color palette?
I can’t help myself with colors. It just comes naturally. I mostly follow my gut feeling with colors.
We see a lot of animal figures in your works, how is your relationship with animals?
Surprisingly, I have never used to be an animal person. I didn’t grow up with animals in south Korea. Living an apartment in city was not allowing us to have any animals when I was young. Since I started painting, I have requested to paint animals and it opened whole new path for my painting journey. I love painting animals and learning about each of them. It is very fascinating.
What inspires you?
Colors inspire me the most. Colors are everywhere in our life. Some color combinations in nature, building, clothing, arts...makes my heart drops little bit with excitement and make me want to paint. People’s story inspire me as well. I love people, I love human being. Anything everything from human’s life and story inspires me to create beautiful things to go with it.
Is being an artist a way of life for you?
Definitely it is. I feel free, I feel myself, I find deeper meaning
Do you paint regularly every day or do you wait for the productive moment?
I paint every day. It can be even 5mins sometimes. It is becoming like an addiction. Painting process gives me huge satisfaction of achievement. It is just part of my life.
What is your least favorite type of art?
Anything dark, scary or sad feeling art. Not my cup of tea
Do you make commissioned paintings? What do you think are the difficulties in making a painting on demand?
Most of my paintings are commissioned piece at the moment. Emotional connections are probably the main thing that I don’t want to be broken in the process. But it can be the hardest thing to maintain while you are painting few different pieces in same time.
What do you think about today's understanding of art? Do you think social media is beneficial to artists?
Social media is definitely beneficial to the artists who have business mindset. It has become such a great advertisement and marketing tool to reach out to people all around the world. When artists create their beautiful art, I believe they should tell their stories to the world. Social media is great tool for it.
Are there any projects you would like to realize in the future?
Something I would like to try for future project is, customized painting for businesses. I would like to provide stylish customized painting to creating great atmosphere for the businesses.
Can you describe your art in one sentence?
Intuitively connected to love of life.