Oil on board
W 35.5 cm x H 26 cm x D 0.5 cm
The Three Sisters rock formation in Katoomba is a significant cultural site for both the Gundungurra and Darug people, as well as the Wiradjuri and Tharawal nations.
I painted this one bright cold winter’s day, from a rocky outcrop off Tableland road. The three sisters the rock formation barely visible in the blue distance.
The term ‘still life’ describes the stillness of painted objects. It also requires a certain stillness of the painter.
Painting a still life is a quiet, introspective practice. My mind needs to separate from daily agitations and sink into meditative observing. Unmoving objects gift me with unlimited time. When painting people or landscapes, I work frantically against the changing light and living movement, racing to capture what I see. Indeed, some artistic skills are learned to cope with just that: the rapid changes in scenes and people.
Objects are carefully selected, composition considered, and interrelationships of objects deliberate. When sitting down to paint, a slow visual rewiring occurs. Unexpected aspects emerge- small reflections, turning points, relationships, negative spaces and colours. Simple objects- fruit, flowers, folded cloths - are discovered to have potency, subtlety and beauty.
Radishes (framed)
A$1224
Gallery of recent works
The enduring appeal of landscape painting is the experience of painting outdoors, amongst the sounds and sights of nature.
Landscapes for Sale
I paint in oils, and where possible - directly from life. I paint best when I paint quickly: when the whole creation knits together intuitively. This direct, fast painting seems to bypass my analytical mind and move directly from the creative brain cells down to my arms and hands. When I paint, I move . Walking back and assessing the whole, entering close for detail. The act of painting is a very physical expression for me, like a little dance.
I paint whatever I think is beautiful, elegant, meaningful, or elemental. This leads me down traditional lines- landscape, portrait, figure and still-life. I love these lines. I have a lifetime of learning right here which I never want to leave.
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