The Light Held Within Her
Available to view during Margaret River Region Open Studios 2026.
Enquiries are welcome prior to the event.
2026
Mixed Media on Canvas
(Acrylic, oil, vintage music sheet paper and gold leaf)
Unframed, sides are gallery-finished and ready to hang
26 cm (W) × 26 cm (H)
'The Light Held Within Her' forms part of Natalie Briney's 2026 collection 'Light Between Two Worlds' a contemplative body of work exploring transformation, resilience, and the quiet threshold between what has been and what is yet to come.
In this intimate work, the figure rests in silent prayer, her eyes gently closed and her hands held softly together. There is no sense of urgency or striving. Instead, she embodies a stillness that speaks of inner peace rather than outward certainty.
The title reflects the central idea of the painting: that the light we seek is often already within us. It is not something to be found or earned, but something gradually uncovered through experience, compassion and the courage to keep moving forward, even during life's quieter seasons of change.
A single wing curves protectively behind the figure, offering a subtle suggestion of guidance without defining its source. Whether understood as faith, memory, intuition or the unseen support that often accompanies us through life, its meaning is intentionally left open for each viewer to discover.
Each work begins with a foundation of vintage music sheet paper, creating a quiet layer of memory beneath the painted surface. Delicate passages of hand-painted pointillism build rhythm and movement throughout the composition, while layers of acrylic and transparent oil glazes create softness, luminosity and depth. Gold leaf is incorporated as a symbolic element, representing light, hope and the wisdom gathered through lived experience.
The restrained palette of warm parchment, antique gold, soft ivory and muted dusty rose creates a gentle sense of harmony. Every element is intended to slow the viewer, inviting a moment of reflection within an increasingly hurried world.
In Natalie's words:
"There are seasons in life when we search for answers somewhere beyond ourselves, only to discover that the strength we needed was already there. This painting is a gentle reminder that the light we carry through life's transitions often begins within."
Part of Light Between Two Worlds, this work invites viewers to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the resilience that so often reveals itself in moments of stillness.
PLEASE NOTE: Images are provided for styling, framing, and interior inspiration only and may not be to exact scale. Please refer to the listed dimensions before purchasing.
This artwork is signed and dated on the reverse and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Created on a 40 mm frame-wrapped canvas, sealed with fixative and finished with a triple gloss protective coat.
This work is currently curing and will be ready for dispatch in approximately 3 weeks.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Natalie Briney is a Western Australian artist living and working on her family's farm south of Margaret River.
Surrounded by bushland, open skies and the rhythms of country life, her work is deeply influenced by nature, stillness and the quiet strength found in the everyday.
Her paintings are held in private collections across Australia, the United States, Europe and Asia.
