Painting's
“Eagles” 2002
Oil on Board
1030mm x 800mm
I have always been fascinated by birds, have always owned them, searched the
skies for them, and painted them, often in ink and watercolor, and occasionally
in oils. With this painting, I wanted to depict something other than a botanical
representation of two birds of prey. My aim was to show the angularness, ragged
grandeur and cruelty of beak and talon. Only oils could do this:- show the
drama and majesty befitting these birds.
This painting is still available
“Trevor” aka “Strangler Smith”
2004
Oil on Canvas
1160mm x 1090mm
My friend Trevor Smith was a wrestler from the late 60’s to the eearly
90’s. His “stage” name was Strangler Smith, and was also known
early on as “Adelaide’s Mad Man of the Mat”. He is an immensely
colorful character, and I have used him before as my model. He is shown here
with my entry for “The Doug Moran” Portrait Prize. My plan was to
show the light side of wrestling theatre, but I am not so sure I achieved
this, It is my plan to place a rubber chicken in “Trevor’s”
left hand. I will put the changed painting on-line when I have finished it.
This painting is still available
“Millenium Madonna’ 2000
Oil on Canvas
4800mm x 5800mm
By using the traditional Christian icon to portray mother love, care and nurture,
I tried to capture the universality of that instinctive need, despite the
passing of yet another millennium
This painting is available and is also featured in the “Thurkettle”
2005 calendar
“Pro Hart” 2003
Oil on Canvas
4800mm x 5800mm
In 2003 I was fortunate enough to go to Broken Hill and meet Pro Hart, joining
him in his studio for some time. He kindly gave his permission for me to photograph
him and to duly paint his portrait. I tried to capture the shining colours
of his beloved town, and his inherent spirituality. I am also humbled by his
ultimate praise of this painting
This painting is available, and is also featured in the 2005 “Thurkettle”
calendar
“Venus 2000”
Oil on Board
7500mm x 860mm
I have been fortunate to be offered the services of an excellent model,. She
is totally at ease and relaxed within her body and thus inspires relaxation
and experiment on canvas, When I first began these paintings of her, I often
posed her as the Old Masters had posed their models. Venus is one of these.
Here though, not emerging as the pure, virginal and perfect goddess of love,
but as real woman, forceful, imperfect, strong and loving, the epitome of
true woman in this modern age. .”Tongue in Cheek” humour , after
all has got us this far. This painting is available and is also featured in
the “Thurkettle” 2005 calendar.
“A Winter’s Tail” 2004
Oil on Canvas
600mm x 1000mm
My same model again Pretty much “What you see is………..and,
if you don’t like it……..tough”. This was my aim, anyway,
with as much humor and wryness as possible.
This painting is available, and akso features in the “Thurkettle”
2005 calendar
“Shopping at Heaven’s Door” 2001
Oil on Board
6300mm x 7600mm
Again, my “Fallen angel” waits for you at Heaven’s door, slopping
iced coffee, sucking cigarettes and anxious to sell you the second hand goods
to help you bluff you way into heaven. Royal South Australian Art Society
Award winner.
This painting is still available, and features in the “Thurkettle”
2005 calendar
“Exposé – A Self Portrait”
Oil on Canvas
1279mm x 1000mm
This self portrait indicated for me , a coming of age, so to speak, a realization
and acceptance of what and who I am, as played against the backdrop of who
I have been. Previous self portraits were more in line of what I wanted to
be. This one :-well, the sherry bottle speaks for itself, the cocky head doesn’t.
I give you the reality which is me, on canvas, exposed and with the scars
left by past demons.
This painting is still available, and features in the “Thurkettle”
2005 calendar.
“The 2005 Thurkettle Calendar"
Introducing my 2005 “Thurkettle” calendar, and hopefully the first
of many.
A limited edition product, I had it printed by a local Adelaide Company. It
is printed on high quality gloss paper, and is spiral bound. The colours are
also remarkably true .An envelope is included. The 14 paintings included in
this calendar are mainly oils executed during the past 3 years. I managed
to get renowned freelance journalist Joy Walterfang .of Hinchinbrook Enterprises.
to write a forward. Luckily, she loved my work, and her writing came easily.
Anyway, we have here an opportunity for you to have a uniquely South Australian
product, to hang on your wall or send to a friend. In my first attempt at
trying to market myself along these lines, I am aware that my paintings do
not always have universal pretty appeal, but I wanted to try anyway. I therefore
present my 2005 calendar.
I seek your support. Please contact me if you are interested