Curriculum Vitae Dr Vanessa Rhodes
This practice has been built over more than a decade in universities, in libraries, in master workshops and in the quiet daily work of grinding pigments and following recipes that predate industrial paint by centuries.
The list below represents selected exhibitions, training and recognition from 2015 to the present. A complete professional CV is available on request.
formal qualifications
Doctorate in the Philosophy of Fine Arts, University of Newcastle 2022
Masters in Art Curatorship, University of Melbourne, Art History 2014
Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Newcastle, Drawing 2009
PhD
The Nature of Paint. A practise led investigation into the application of traditional materials and methods as a foundation for a sustainable contemporary art practice.
Workshop Training Intensive (7 days or more)
Oil Painting Methods of Old Masters, National Art School Summer Intensive, Sydney 2025
Florentine Tempera Painting Techniques & Gilding, A. Wooley, Tuscany May-June 2023
Egg Tempera, D. Cruikshank, London 2022
Egg Tempera, K. Schadler, New Hampshire, 2021
Traditional Tempera, Academy Fine Art, Florence, 2018
Egg Tempera Icon Painting, A. Prifti, Mount Carmel Priori, 2017
awards & recognition
Winner Margaret Olley Scholarship, Friends of the University of Newcastle 2018
Finalist, Watt Space Student Prize, Newcastle 2017
Finalist, Watt Space Open Show, Newcastle 2017
Finalist, Gosford Art Prize, Gosford Art Gallery 2016
Finalist, Friends of the University Student Art Prize, University Gallery 2016
Finalist, Newcastle University WAtt Space Gallery Student Prize, 2D Section 2016
Commended, Newcastle University WAtt Space Gallery Student Prize, 3D Section 2016
Finalist, Newcastle Emerging Art Prize, NASS Newcastle Art Space Gallery, Painting Section 2016
Finalist, Newcastle Emerging Art Prize, NASS Newcastle Art Space Gallery, 3D Section 2016
Winner, Fuel for Thought, Watt Space Newcastle University Gallery 2016
Winner, Newcastle Emerging Art Prize, Works on Paper 2015
selected exhibition history
2024-2026 (ongoing) Dungog by Design Art Gallery, Dungog NSW
2024-2026 (ongoing) Handmade Canberra, Canberra
2022-2025 Resident Exhibiting Artist Honest Paper, Newcastle
2021 PhD Graduation Exhibition Watt Space Newcastle University
2018 Postcard from Florence, Solo Exhibition Watt Space Newcastle University Student Gallery
2018 Memoranda, Select Group Exhibition Newcastle University Gallery
2017 Inked In, Student solo show Watt Space, Newcastle
2017 Whats Golden, solo show, Acrux Gallery Hamilton
2017 A Brush with Eggs, Student Solo Show, Watt Space Gallery, Newcastle
2017 Out of this World, Gallery 139 Hamilton, Selective Group Show
2016 Directors Cut, Gallery 139 Hamilton, Selective Group Show
2016 Gosford Art Prize, Gosford Art Gallery
2016 Friends of the University Student Art Prize, Newcastle University Gallery
2016 Margaret Olley Scholarship, Friends of the Newcastle University Art Gallery
2016 Do I Know You?, Newcastle University Watt Space Gallery Student Prize
2016 Newcastle Emerging Art Prize, NAS Newcastle
2016 Theatrics, Curve Gallery Newcastle, Group Show
2016 Lost and Found, Newcastle University Watt Space Gallery, Self-curated Solo Show
2016 Fine Drawing, Gallery 139 Hamilton, Selective Group Show
2016 Natural Rhythm, Curve Gallery Newcastle, Joint Show with Michael Langley
2016 Fuel for Thought, Student Art Prize Watt Space Newcastle University Gallery
2016 Flight Path, Curve Gallery, Newcastle Selective Group Show
2016 Just Draw, Newcastle Regional Art Gallery, (collaboration project with University of Newcastle Art Students and artist Hannah Bertram)
2016 8 x 9, NAS Newcastle, Open Group Show
2016 Dogs in Art, Gallery 139 Hamilton, Selective Group Show
2015- 2016 Look Hear, The Lock Up Gallery Newcastle, Selective Group Show
2015 Spring Salon, NAS Newcastle, Selective Group Show
2015 Newcastle Emerging Art Prize, NAS Newcastle
private collections - commissioned works
Australia, Europe, UK and USA
public collections
The University of Newcastle Australia
My art practice continues to grow, through new work and new research.
I have an ongoing commitment to exhibiting in spaces where conversation about materials & sustainability is explored.
Enquiries from galleries, curators, collectors and institutions are warmly welcome.