Four artists. Four incredible creative women. One excellent excuse to be nosey.
Inspired by State Theatre Company South Australia's recent production of ART, we called on four of our favourite South Australian Frockers - Sarah McDonald, Denise Hojdyssek, Greta Laundy and Leah Grant - to talk art, inspiration, life in SA and the FMO pieces they keep reaching for.
MEET SARAH MCDONALD
You may have spotted Sarah dancing up a storm on our socials! With 25 years of experience as a professional artist, Sarah McDonald is well known for her richly textured, evocative oil paintings - landscapes painted in her signature palette knife technique, rooted in a deep love of hiking and a connection with the places she travels to. Her work has been exhibited all over Australia and overseas.
I first met Sarah almost 15 years ago when I turned up to her very first painting class at Sarah Mac's Art School. From that first session it was clear she was something special - not only a brilliant artist but an inspiring, highly skilled teacher and frankly just an all-round excellent super-fun human. I kept going back for years, dragging myself there after exhausting days juggling work, kids and chaos - knowing that if I could just get myself there, it would always be worth it. If you’ve ever thought about art classes - hesitate no longer and look her up! It's no exaggeration to say those classes played a part in the creative path that led to Frock Me Out.
Jen, FMO Founder
We asked Sarah what she loves about art, what she’s currently creating and her favourite fashions (of course!).
Tell us about your work and what you’re currently creating.
I am currently working on a collection of paintings for my Solo Exhibition inspired by a residency in the Alpine National Park in Victoria’s High Country, this collection of paintings reflects a deep sense of place shaped by days spent hiking among snow gums and immersing myself in the quiet magic of the alpine landscape in the midst of Winter.
What does ‘art’ mean to you right now?
Art is my life and has been for a very long time. I surround myself with it, I make it and teach it. My art is my visual language, it’s a way of translating how I experience the landscape and nature through paint. When I am not painting or making art, I am thinking about it. It brings me joy and allows me to share that with my audience.
What do you love about Frock Me Out and do you have a favourite print or piece?
I've always been obsessed with the Frock Me Out sweaters and knits and have many in my wardrobe dating back to the very beginning.
I love a striped knit especially the clever colour combinations and currently my favourite is the Red and Disco Lilac Striped Knit. How can you go past a name like Disco Lilac!! Pop on my red Lippy and I am ready to go.
Sarah wears (L-R): Red & Disco Lilac Stripe Knit + Faux Fur Jacket
What helps inspire you during the creative process?
My daily walk up into the hills behind my house is always inspiring, walking through nature and observing the light and textures of the bush. Back in my studio, music is a big part of my day and helps my creative energy. Earlier in the day, it's often chill out or something calm and by the end of the day, it is often a complete disco. I love to dance as much as I love to paint, and this happens without me really knowing while I am working. My painting is a very physical process.
Sarah wears (L-R): Lurex Stripe Knit Jumper
Quick 5: Local Edition
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A local event you love:
SALA (South Australian Living Artists Exhibition)
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Another South Australian artist you admire:
So many!! Too hard to choose, but the way Robin Eley has mastered his technique and elevated his career is to be admired, even though he doesn’t live in SA a lot of the time.
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Favourite way to experience art in SA:
Our Gallery of South Australia is one of the best I believe, but SALA is unique to this state and a brilliant way of seeing Art, not just in galleries, but everywhere.
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Favourite coffee spot:
The Local Crowd in Colonel Light Gardens
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Where you’d take out-of-towners first:
The Adelaide Hills, it’s my favourite place.
Sarah's upcoming Solo Exhibition Opens Friday 4 September 2026 at Art Images Gallery.
Learn more about about Sarah here.