Portrait of Bearded Man with Brown Cloak

 

Our model Paul wore a long-flowing, brown garment which might be referred to as a cloak, or possibly a robe or a cape; I can't say for shawl.

Oil on canvas board, 16" x 20"

Quinces with Enamelware Coffee Pot

 

Some of the quinces depicted here are the same as appeared in my last painting of quinces; or for the potted version, one might simply say "quince and repeat".

Oil on canvas board, 16" x 20"

Exhibition: Remains to Be Seen

 

As part of the Victorian Artists' Society IMPRINT 2026 program, I'm exhibiting about 30 still life paintings that reflect this year's theme of "What Remains" (hence the very bad pun for the title).  The first half of the program kicked off this week with a number of excellent solo exhibitions, so get to VAS now for a squiz, but please return for the second half when my little daubings will be gracing a number of the walls (along with the art of a bunch of great artists).

Oh, and there's an opening on the evening of the 30 April if you're looking for a glass of something to help you forget the economic climate and spend recklessly on artworks.

When:

29 April – 10 May 2026

Where:

Victorian Artists Society

Opening:

Thursday 30 April, 6pm

I also wrote a bit of art self-gratification that I must confess to actually believing in (sort of) which might interest you if you're inclined to sport designer glasses and a turtleneck:

Nostalgic reflection has been described as a “peopling” of the mind through symbolic ties to loved ones. By depicting nostalgic subjects, this collection of works represents an unashamed attempt to pull at the heart-strings of viewers, though it is primarily a reflection of the yearning of the artist for the certainties of childhood.

These certainties existed, in a material sense, in the inanimate objects that adorned the kitchens of the artist’s grandparents – items that lasted generations and, prior to the pervasiveness of planned obsolescence, were expected to last generations more. Rather than dilapidated things to be discarded, these objects were imbued with character – perhaps even personality – shaped by familiarity and age.

By portraying scenes in a realistic manner, it is hoped that the viewer might share, if only for a moment, in the artist’s visual experience and be transported to another time and place. It is also hoped that once cherished objects are contemplated for their simple beauty and functionality – may it remain that there’s still life in the old dogs yet.

Portrait of Bearded Man in Hat with Still Life

 

A still life model and a modelled still life

Oil on canvas board, 16" x 20"

Poplars on the Campaspe River, Kyneton

 

Soon after starting this painting, I realised I'd disturbed a wasps' nest, so I made a fairly rapid decision to move -- it seems I was less than poplar with the local residents.

Oil on plywood, 9" x 5"

Mill Street, Kyneton

 

A run of the mill painting

Oil on canvas board, 10" x 12"

Quinces with Stoneware Jar

 

For more than a decade I've been painting quinces and making bad quince puns, and I'm struggling to come up with anything original.  I suppose I'll simply present you with this pot-boiler and stop stewing over it.

Oil on canvas board, 16" x 20" 

Forest Redgum, East Metcalfe

 

I wrestled a bit with this painting, partly due to changing light conditions.  But I determined to stand there, by gum, and try to get a finished picture.

Oil on canvas board, 12" x 16"

Old Barn, East Metcalfe

 

The placement of the shed in the composition took some consideration: should I raise the barn or set the barn low?

Oil on canvas board, 10" x 12"

Still Life with Small Green Apple

 

Sometimes it's the little things in still life

Oil on canvas board, 10" x 12"

Croissants with Red Coffee Percolator

 

I must confess (spill the beans if you like) that this was a more difficult painting than anticipated and therefore took longer than normal -- it felt like I was working at a snail's pastry.

Oil on canvas board, 16" x 20"

Portrait of Bearded Man with Hat

 

Keep things under your hat and above beard

Oil on canvas board, 12" x 16"

Hyland Reservoir from Lancey's Lookout, Arawata

 

Hyland from even higher land

Oil on canvas board, 10" x 12"

Power Pole near Waratah Bay

 

This pole is essential to the painting's composition.  It provides the power balance.

Oil on canvas board, 6" x 8"

Cows near Waratah Bay

 

Because this painting is relatively small, I thought that by selecting this subject I'd given myself a bum steer, but I decided that what heifer will be, will be.

Oil on plywood, 9" x 5"

McLeod Road, Waratah Bay

 

Parts of this painting were done from memory because the the scene was initially sunny, but then the McLeods rolled in.

Oil on canvas board, 10" x 12"

Boulders at Squeaky Beach, Wilsons Promontory

 

After a couple of days spent tutoring plein air workshops, I had just enough time to squeak in a painting --  I was evidently ready to rock (or at least try to).

Oil on canvas board, 10" x 12"

Farm Sheds, East Metcalfe

 

This was a slightly complicated scene that I attempted to simplify.  The less shed the better.

Oil on canvas board, 12" x 16"

Milkshake Maker with Strawberries

 

This painting is no great shakes and should be berried.

Oil on canvas board, 20" x 24"

Off Parsell Road, Langley

 

A small Parsell of land

Oil on canvas board, 10" x 12"