‘Neath the Vast Open Sky Exhibition Grainger Gallery Canberra October 10 2024
I could sit and paint my back yard of the Hunter Valley forever, but my complacency and familiarity would not be beneficial to growth. Travelling and exploring other places are very important to my continued growth as a painter, which is why I took a trip to our nation’s capital, Canberra. In my opinion, nothing truly wonderful is born from a comfort zone, so exploring light, texture, colour and form in new locations is always a welcome experience.
Filled with preconceived ideas and notions of our capital – lofty and organised roads, planned cites and parliamentary houses – I was pleasantly surprised by its natural beauty, often right at the city’s doorstep.
Urambi Hills Reserve, nestled behind the town of Kambah, surprised my painterly eyes. The ridge-top view, stretching towards The Bullen Ranges across Tuggeranong and the Murrumbidgee River was particularly striking. It was here that I set up to paint en plein air, gathering oil on board studies.
Mount Painter
Also close to the city was the National Arboretum. With views towards Mount Painter, lying on the Ginninderra–Molonglo divide, together with 44, 000 rare and endangered trees, grasses and other plants, the Arboretum also provided a delightful tapestry of colour and texture.
Our journey around the area took us to Michealgo, a small town situated on the Monaro Hwy south of Canberra. Banjo Paterson poems came to mind while I worked en plein air in the bush. Inspiration abounds with the majestic two mountain ranges, the Tinderry Range to the East and the Clear Range to the west. Upon further research I realised its history steeped in bushranger lore and fable, no wonder the wordsmith Paterson featured in my mind. His words inspiring me to write my own verse or two about the area resulting in titles for the exhibition and works.
Yarra was the final stop on our journey back north to the Hunter Valley. Recent rains had revived the creek, and with it, the colours, tones, textures and sounds of this quintessential Australian landscape.
Yarra after the rain
“ Yarra's gentle grace, its beauty ever true, In Canberra's arms, it finds its place, 'neath skies of clearest blue. And after rain, it shines the most, with colours bright and bold, A canvas vast and a poet's boast, its story to be told.” Rath
The work aims to resonate not only with Canberra locals but seeks to capture the hearts of all Australians, inspiring hope in Nature’s resilience and beauty, especially during challenging times. This resilience further strengthens our love for the land, natural landscapes and connection to oneself.
Yours in art,
Rebecca x