The artist studied the techniques of the Australian Impressionist artists and Canadian artists, Tom Thompson. (1877 – 1917), and the Group of Seven (1920 – 1933). Some parts of this landscape are reminiscent of Australian artist Elioth Gruner’s ‘Spring Frost’ (1919).
The artist observed the local landscape and noted the effects of dappling, soft light filtering through the leaves on the trees. In this painting it appears as if it is quite late in the day.
The structure of the painting is in thirds horizontally and vertically, and the focal point is the steep bank of the creek at the bend in the road.
An analogous complementary colour palette has been used, (colours side by side on the colour wheel and directly opposite), with violet being the mother colour. Tints and shades of red and blue violet have been complemented with yellow. It seems a recent bushfire may have occurred and the plants and trees are recovering.
The eucalypt tree on the right has been cropped, and this helps to make the foreground seem close to the viewer. The mid tones of the trees in the central section transition into soft, hazy sky tones. The extreme difference in intensity of sky tones and foreground colours creates an illusion of distance.
Brush techniques include lots of dabs, strokes and ‘stippling’. The artist used softly coloured, blended paint for the tree trunks and sky. Attention has been paid to detail, and vehicle tracks can be seen in the dirt.
This painting has a harmonious feel, but possibly is overworked.
Acrylic on Masonite, date unknown. (Cleaned and framed. Slight alterations during restoration.)
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