It’s amazing how often this corner of Australia conjures environments that I didn’t expect despite all my European perspective tourist-guide-book research. And then, occasionally, it looks just like my imagined Australia: dry dirt roads, endless clear sky, dust and a landscape punctuated by mysterious agricultural structures.
Some paintings seem to flow effortlessly while others, like this one, are a right struggle. Witness the layers of paint and redrawing. I’ve been at this one on and off for a year. A big breakthrough came last week when I found my original sketch which I had carefully filed on the studio floor. I used it to draw back into the painting. The colours do what I wanted them to do so I think it’s finished now.
Thank you Laurel. I think the light reminded me of those De Chirico paintings… Melancholy.
Ah yes, the uncertainty of… is it finished? I’d say yes. And that moon is in just the right spot too — it keeps you looking… and looking. I love everything about this.
Thanks Anna. Glad you like it. I’ll step back now so I don’t overwork it.
The sky is so prominent. Spacious. Solemn. I love this.