Loraine Coles is a contemporary artist based in Bowral, in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. Her work is characterized by gestural abstraction, free-flowing marks, layered textures, and bold use of color. She employs a variety of materials, including inks, acrylic paints, oil sticks, charcoal, and graphite, to create dynamic mixed-media pieces that invite viewers into a world of fantasy and imagination . Loraine draws inspiration from found objects and often incorporates handmade paper into her collages, adding texture and depth to her artworks . Her artistic journey began with a Diploma in Creative Visual Arts from the International School of Colour & Design and a Certificate III in Applied Colour & Design. Influenced by artists such as John Olsen, Brett Whiteley, and Vincent Van Gogh, she captures the rhythm and energy of the Australian landscape through expressive gestures and vivid hues. An active member of the Southern Highlands arts community, participating in events like the Southern Highlands Arts Trail and exhibitions at venues such as the Blue Door Studio Gallery in East Bowral. Her work has been showcased in various exhibitions, including the Blue Square Art Prize and solo exhibitions. Recently Loraine received the Hangers Award at the 2025 Blue Square Exhibition and Prize.