Artist Bastian Allfrey’s vivid florals

14 Feb 2023

Take one look at Bastian Allfrey’s art and you will be blown away by the vibrant colour and attention to detail. Using Resene paint colours, Bastian takes flora and fauna to a whole new level with colour and depth that makes them almost pop off the canvas.   

“I would describe my work as realistic, although expressive, bright and highly saturated,” says Bastian. “I have always loved nature, it being a strong totem for me as I grew up and when I was younger. It is naturally where I draw my inspiration.”  

Bastian began painting and earning cash for commission art ten years ago with the help of a friend and Brisbane based artist Drapl. They painted murals for schools, council parks and shops, and through this, Bastian learnt the ins and outs of working as a freelance artist.  

The artist works with a range of Resene products depending on the project, such as larger scale murals outside or painting in his studio. His go to product to use when painting is Resene Lumbersider for its texture, durability and ability to keep colours fresh. When it comes to painting his large floral pieces, he uses a lot of water, and an array of colourful Resene paints. 

Bastian used vivid and intense colours to create this floral piece, painted in Resene Raging Bull,Resene Arthouse, Resene Volcano, Resene Sushi, Resene Conifer, Resene Tangerine, Resene Mexican Red, Resene Sepia, Resene Azalea, Resene Groovy and Resene Blackout. 

Flowers and anything flora and fauna are at the top of Bastian’s list to paint. His favourite piece is a most recent painting he completed called No1 Natives. This was his first large bouquet of flowers he has painted that consists of all Australian native flowers.  

“As I have stuck to a pretty wide range of flower genres and species in the past, it's been an exciting step in a new direction to focus on what feels closer to home, so this is currently my favourite,” says Bastian. 

The artist’s palette inspiration comes from the bouquets he photographs for reference, though occasionally he will base flowers around a certain scheme of colours to suit a client's preference, in the instance of private commission. 

Vibrant florals dripping with colour, Bastian paints this piece in Resene Raging Bull, Resene Daisy Bush, Resene Arthouse, Resene Volcano, Resene Sushi, Resene Conifer,Resene Tangerine,Resene Mexican Red,Resene Sepia, Resene Azalea, Resene Groovy and Resene Blackout. 

Resene paints and products were recommended to Bastian years ago and he has now grown an attachment to the colours. He believes Resene provides him the freedom he needs in his work and allows him to spend more time on one painting. 

“This has been my full-time job for 10 years now. I can confidently say that Resene Volcano is my favourite colour, a dark burgundy, I use it in every painting. It provides both a depth and glow I can't miss.”  

I feel Resene surpasses other brands simply in colour variety and in colour richness,” Bastian says. “It helps me achieve the contrast that I'm happy with in my paintings. I dislike watery paint that requires more coats than one and Resene is beyond that.” 

Check out more of Bastian’s work at www.basallfrey.com. 

Published: 14 Feb 2023