About Leoni Duff Galleries
Leoni Duff Galleries is dedicated to showcasing the exceptional realist artworks of four accomplished Tasmanian artists, each uniquely skilled and highly regarded in their respective fields. While united by their commitment to realism, the artists’ styles and mediums offer a diverse and captivating range of works.
The gallery features delicate and evocative watercolours by Rod Gardner, whose mastery of the medium brings a luminous, ethereal quality to his landscapes and still lifes. Chris Arnol, a classically trained artist, contributes both oil paintings and expressive charcoal drawings that reflect his training in the traditions of realism and his talent for capturing striking portraits and atmospheric scenes. Leoni Duff, a renowned oil painter and pastel artist, infuses her works with rich textures and dynamic compositions, creating vivid and emotive pieces. Jonathan Bowen, who specializes in pastels and charcoal, is celebrated for his broken colour technique, which brings a fresh and vibrant energy to his art.
Located in the heart of Launceston, Leoni Duff Galleries is on the first floor of one of the city’s oldest heritage buildings: 70 Brisbane Street, in the historic Old Brisbane Arcade. Visitors to the gallery can immerse themselves in the timeless elegance of the setting while viewing an inspiring collection of realist art. For art collectors and enthusiasts around the world, the gallery offers the convenience of purchasing artwork online, with global shipping available (packing and handling fees apply).
COLLECT is a Tasmanian Government initiative delivered by Arts Tasmania that supports Tasmanian arts business to sell Tasmanian art.
About the Artists
Chris Arnol
Chris Arnol, an Australian realist artist based in Tasmania, is celebrated for his classical training and contemporary approach. Trained for two years at the Angel Academy of Art in Florence, Chris excels in charcoal and oil painting, blending observation, proportion, and light to create evocative works.
His talent has been recognised in major competitions, including as a semi-finalist in the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize and the Lester Prize for Portraiture. Internationally, he was a finalist in the Portrait Society of America’s 3rd International ‘A View of Self’ competition. Chris is also a finalist in this year’s Art Renewal Center (ARC) International Salon; the world’s largest and most respected competition for realist artists.
Through his work, Chris explores identity, presence, and emotion. His charcoal pieces are raw and tactile, while his oil paintings captivate with their depth and luminosity.
Jonathan Bowden
Born in Melbourne in 1942, Jonathan Bowden grew up in England, where he nurtured a passion for the arts and sciences. After earning a natural sciences degree at Cambridge and studying art in London, he exhibited widely in the UK from 1968 to 1980.
Moving to Australia in 1980, Bowden gained recognition for his sensitive depictions of the Australian landscape, drawing on the Impressionist tradition. He immerses himself in each location, revisiting at the same time of day to capture light and atmosphere, working directly in oils or pastels.
Now based in Launceston, Tasmania, Bowden is a leading practitioner of “broken colour,” using visible strokes of pure color to create luminous, vibrant effects. His mastery of this technique has established him as a prominent interpreter of Impressionism in contemporary Australian art.
Leoni Duff
Leoni Duff lives in Launceston, Tasmania, with her husband and family.
A former pianist trained at Hobart’s Conservatorium of Music, she began developing her painting skills in the 1980s, starting with watercolour before transitioning to pastel and oils. She is largely self-taught, drawing inspiration from the old masters, early Australian artists, and contemporary art resources.
Leoni’s art reflects her admiration for the Creator’s work, finding beauty, design, and drama in everyday objects, landscapes, and nature. She seeks to share this sense of wonder through her paintings.
Rod Gardner
Tasmanian watercolour artist Rod Gardner has spent countless hours capturing the streets of Launceston, a subject close to his heart. “It’s what I enjoy most,” he says, reflecting on his deep connection to the city where he grew up.
In 2018 Gardner’s contributions to the art world were recognised when he won the Vida Brown Bursury and was also awarded The Tasmanian Aboriginal Artist of the Year. He held a ‘sell out’ solo exhibition at the Alport Gallery, Hobart, and he regularly sells his work to local, national and international buyers.
Influenced by tonal impressionists like Arthur Streeton and Tom Roberts, Gardner uses light and tone to depict Launceston’s character and moods. His evolving artistic perspective drives him to refine his techniques and explore new approaches.
First Floor, 70 Brisbane Street, Launceston, Tas. 7250
Mob: +61 0409 542 557
email: lr.duff2@gmail.com