Fresh out of Sydney lockdown, the incredible works of Aida Tomescu are showing both in Sydney with Fox Jensen Gallery and in Hong Kong with Flowers Gallery in two outstanding exhibitions. To add to this, in early December 2021, Orange Regional Gallery will be exhibiting what promises to be a blockbuster Tomescu show, looking at the artist's latest large works and how they connect to a group of key paintings and etchings from the past twenty years. Tying in with these shows, I recently came across some footage I’d taken in the lead up to Aida’s 2019 show with Fox Jensen Gallery, ‘The Open Wounds of White Clouds’. Watching the video again, I soon realised there were many timeless gems in that conversation which I had never published, so here is the full exchange. We filmed this conversation in Aida's studio in August 2019, in the midst of many dynamic works lining the walls and with Aida standing in front of the triptych titled ‘Sewn onto the Stones in the Sky’. That work has since been acquired by the Art Gallery of NSW (see below) and Aida talks in this episode about her approach to that work. This episode will also be released as a video on the Talking with Painters YouTube channel with a view to uploading by mid-November. Scroll down to see four previous videos of Aida currently on the channel. To hear the audio podcast conversation click 'play' beneath the above feature photo. Current and upcoming shows 'A Long Line of Sand', Fox Jensen Gallery, Sydney, current until 30 October 2021'In a Carpet Made of Water', Flowers Gallery, Hong Kong, current until 'Unfolding Presence', Orange Regional Gallery, Orange, opening 3 December, 2021 Useful Links Aida Tomescu websiteAida Tomescu at Fox Jensen GalleryAida Tomescu at Flowers GalleryEpisode 33 Talking with Painters podcast: Aida TomescuEpisode 65 Talking with Painters podcast: Aida Tomescu on Tony Tuckson Previous YouTube videos https://youtu.be/pbSNWrtdOdY https://youtu.be/9D7B1W3cH3c https://youtu.be/IbhHjZ0YZxI https://youtu.be/BJ8052xpX8c 'Sewn onto the Stones in the Sky'oil on Belgian linen200 x 460cm overallCollection: Art Gallery of NSWPurchased with funds donated by Ken Cole AM and Rowena Danziger AMPhoto: Andrew Jensen A Long Line of Sand III, 2021 oil on Belgian linen206 x 480cm (triptych)Photo: Andrew Jensen Gloria, 2021oil on Belgian linen. 200 x 460 cm (triptych)Fox Jensen Gallery, SydneyPhoto: Andrew Jensen Into a carpet made of water, 2021Oil on Belgian linen200 x 153 cmFlowers Gallery exhibition, Hong Kong, 2021Photo courtesy of the Gallery

Talking with Painters

Ep 116: Aida Tomescu (uncut)

If you’ve been listening to this podcast over the years, you would probably know I’m a self-confessed Archibald tragic. I'm fascinated by the depiction of the human face and figure in paint and that is exactly what the prize celebrates each year at the Art Gallery of NSW. The Archibald Prize is Australia's most famous portrait prize and is now in its 100th year. This episode is a compilation of clips from my conversations with Archibald winners where they talk about how they felt about winning, what it did for their career or about the painting itself. I've also included a clip from my conversation with biographer Scott Bevan where we talked about what was arguably the most controversial Archibald win - the 1943 winning portrait by William Dobell of fellow artist Joshua Smith. See below for a list of podcast guests, the year they won the prize and their portraits. Click on the name to go to the full interview. A video based on this episode will be posted to the Talking with Painters YouTube channel in a few weeks. Guy Warren  1985Davida Allen  1986Bill Robinson  1987 and 1995 Francis Giacco  1994Wendy Sharpe  1996Lewis Miller   1998Euan Macleod 1999Nicholas Harding  2001Del Kathryn Barton 2008 and 2013Guido Maestri 2009Ben Quilty 2011Tim Storrier  2012Louise Hearman 2016Vincent Namatjira 2020Peter Wegner 2021Scott Bevan'Archie 100' exhibition - Art Gallery of NSW Guy Warren ‘Flugelman with Wingman’, 1985, oil on canvas, 225 x 178cmWinner of the Archibald Prize 1985Image: Art Gallery of NSW website Davida Allen ‘Dr John Arthur Mckelvie Shera’, 1986, oil on canvas, 230.5 x 187cmWinner, 1986 Archibald Prize, AGNSWImage: Art Gallery of NSW website William Robinson  ‘Self-portrait with stunned mullet’, 1994, oil on linen, 197 x 164cmWinner Archibald Prize 1995QUT Art Collection. Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program by William Robinson, 2011. William Robinson  ‘Equestrian self-portrait’, 1987, oil on linen, 141 x 192cmWinner Archibald Prize 1987QUT Art Collection. Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program by William Robinson, 2011  Francis Giacco ‘Homage to John Reichard’ (1994) oil on marine ply 202cm x 188cmImage: Art Gallery of NSW website Wendy Sharpe: ‘Self portrait – as Diana of Erskineville’, 1996, oil on canvas, 210 x 172cm, winner of Archibald prize 1996.Image: Art Gallery of NSW website Lewis Miller: ‘Portrait of Allan Mitelman no 3’, 1998, oil and charcoal on canvas, 213.4 x 183cmImage: Art Gallery of NSW website Euan Macleod: ‘Self-portrait: head like a hole’ 1999 oil on canvas 180 x 137cmImage: Art Gallery of NSW website Nicholas Harding: ‘John Bell as King Lear’, 2001, oil on canvas on board, 177 x 105cm (winner Archibald Prize 2001)Image: Art Gallery of NSW website ‘you are what is most beautiful about me, a self portrait with Kell and Arella’ 2008, synthetic polymer paint, watercolour, gouache and pen on polyester canvas, 280 x 180cm (winner Archibald Prize 2008)Image: Art Gallery of NSW website ‘hugo’, 2013, watercolour, gouache and acrylic on canvas, 200 x 180cm (winner Archibald Prize 2013)Image: Art Gallery of NSW website Guido Maestri: ‘Dr Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu’, 2009, oil on linen, 203 x 172.4cmWinner Archibald Prize 2009, Art Gallery of NSWCollection: National Portrait Gallery, Australia Ben Quilty: ‘Margaret Olley’, 2011, oil on linen, 170 x 150cmWinner Archibald Prize 2011Photo: AGNSW Tim Storrier: The Histrionic Wayfarer (after Bosch), 2012, acrylic on canvas, 182 x 122 cm Winner Archibald Prize 2012Photo: Art Gallery of NSW website Louise Hearman: ‘Barry’ (2016) oil on masonite 69.5cm x 100cmPhoto: Art Gallery of NSW website Vincent Namatjira: ‘Stand Strong for who you are’, 2020, acrylic on linen, 152 x 198cmWinner Archibald Prize 2020, Art Gallery of NSWImage: AGNSW website Peter Wegner: 'Portrait of Guy Warren at 100'oil on canvas, 120.5 x 151.

Ep 115: The Archibald winners

Many Australians may have seen Kim Leutwyler’s work without ever having set foot in a gallery. In 2019 her impressive Archibald painting of television presenter Faustina Agolley was splashed across Sydney to promote the prize. The striking image was on a huge banner above the entrance of the gallery, on bus shelters around the city, in newspapers and even on the front cover of a magazine. Kim is no stranger to the Archibald Prize - she’s been shortlisted in five out of the last seven years. And her sitters all have one thing in common; they are people she admires and who are making a mark in the queer community. Using bold colour in a distinctive style, Kim involves her sitters in the process, depicting them with an exciting combination of realism and abstraction. Always innovating and moving forward, she is constantly pushing towards pure abstraction, exploring and experimenting along the way. Kim has a fabulously positive outlook and is a regular finalist in many major Australian art prizes and has exhibited widely across Australia and the US. This episode was recorded remotely during the 2021 Sydney lockdown. To hear the podcast episode click 'play' on the above photo. Above portrait photo courtesy of the artist Links to things we talk about in the episode Kim Leutwyler's websiteKim Leutwyler with Nanda HobbsKim Leutwyler with 33 ContemporaryKim Leutwyler at BluethumbFaustina AgolleyTrixie MattelTenebrismKehinde Wiley Marc Etherington Robert RauschenbergGamblin's 'Torrit Grey' Click here for tickets to 'The Artist Speaks' series at the Art Gallery of NSW referred to in the introduction of this episode. Faustina the Fuzz, 2019, oil and acrylic on canvas, 30” x 30”Finalist Archibald Prize 2019 Trixie Mattel, 2019, oil and acrylic on canvas , 60” x 40”Finalist Portia Geach Memorial award 2019 Brian with pink, blue and yellow, 2020, Oil on canvas, 48 x 36"Finalist Archibald Prize 2020 Kim, 2021, oil on canvas, 110 x 101.5 cmFinalist Archibald Prize 2021 Rhi, 2021, oil on canvas, 40" x 30" Werrong with Pink and Blue, 2020, oil and acrylic on canvas, 48"x 36" Danger Zone, 2020, oil and acrylic on canvas , 38in x 46inCollaboration with Marc Etherington Watson, 2018, oil and acrylic on canvas, 60” x 40”

Ep 114: Kim Leutwyler

One of Georgia Spain's paintings was taking up more than its fair share of her Tasmanian studio. So she thought one way of freeing up some room would be to send it to the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney as an entry into the Sir John Sulman Prize. A few weeks later she found out it had been shortlisted and a week after that, to her astonishment, it won. It was the first time she had entered the prize. In selecting the winning work, guest judge Elisabeth Cummings said the painting was a strong, confident image full of energy and movement and that the artist's use of the figure was imaginative and very much her own. This recognition was not a one-off. Georgia was one of five to receive the Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship less than a year earlier and won the Women's Art Prize Tasmania in the same week as winning the Sulman. I got the impression, though, that, although the accolades were welcome, what was more important was to continue to create and explore without placing too much importance on them or on commercial success. Although only 27, Georgia has exhibited in five solo shows across Tasmania, NSW and Victoria. She is also a singer and songwriter and her album ‘Trouble Isn’t Something You Can Hold’, recorded in 2017, draws from major life experiences and helped her through tragic times. Georgia was born in London and lived in Ireland until she was nine before migrating to Australia. She now lives in Tasmania with her partner. To hear our conversation press 'play' beneath the above feature photo. Portrait photo supplied by the artist Links to things we talked about in the show Georgia Spain on Instagram Solo show 'One to Another' at Egg and Dart GalleryBrett Whiteley Travelling Art ScholarshipSir John Sulman PrizeGeorgia's album 'Trouble Isn't Something You Can Hold'YouTube video of Georgia's song 'Parasite'Oscar Lush on Instagram 'Getting down or falling up', acrylic on canvas, 180.6 x 187.5 cmWinner: Sir John Sulman Prize, 2021 'Six Different Women', 2021, acrylic on canvas, 110 x 95cmWinner: Women's art Prize, Tasmania, 2021 'Pantomime', 2021, acrylic on canvas 134.5 x 113cm 'Standing, Waiting, Kissing, Waving, etc.', 2021, acrylic on canvas150 x 200cm

Ep 113: Georgia Spain

Jo Bertini's recent exhibition at Sydney’s Arthouse Gallery, ‘Songs of Dry Hills’, alluringly portrayed the landscape she is drawn to repeatedly - the desert. Her love of that landscape and its First Nations People has led her to spend months at a time not only in the deserts of Australia but also those of India and the US. She has built an intimate connection to these lands and their people through thousands of hours of drawing and painting directly from her subjects. The paintings in her recent show were big and bold, but it wasn't just the scale that caught your attention. Standing in front of the works the viewer was drawn into an other-worldly landscape where earth colours are replaced with a kaleidoscope of hues including accents of shining iridescent paint. Jo has been exhibiting for over 30 years, in hundreds of solo and group shows, and her work is held in private and public collections across the world. She is also an acclaimed portraitist with work in the National Portrait gallery, as well as an art educator, lecturer and writer. Jo comes from a family of well known painters and photographers including the modernist photographer Olive Cotton and her mother, the sculptor Anne Ferguson, has been her greatest mentor. To hear the conversation press 'play' beneath the above photo. I also filmed Jo in her studio in Sydney - her larger studios are in country NSW and in New Mexico, USA, where she has lived for the past 5 years. That footage will be on this website and the Talking with Painters YouTube channel in a few weeks. Upcoming show Solo exhibition at GOCA, University of Colorado, April to August 2022 Links to things we talked about in the show Website of Jo BertiniJo Bertini at Arthouse GalleryAustralian Desert Expeditions'Fieldwork', book of Bertini's drawings and gouache paintings 'Dry Wash', oil on French polyester canvas, 124.5 x 154.5cm 'Desert garden in the land of enchantment', oil on French polyester canvas, 155.5 x 155cm 'Casting a Wish Beneath the River', oil on Belgian linen, 201 x 155cm 'Hidden River of Sand', oil on Belgian linen, 202.5 x 206.5cm Kitty Kantilla and Freda Warlapinni at Milikapiti (Snake Bay), 2003, oil on canvas, 152 x 135cmCollection: National Portrait Gallery, Australia 'Lachuben Rabari - Old and New', 2016, oil on canvas on vintage woven wedding shawl 130 x 92 cm 'Sand Sky', oil on French polyester canvas, 93.5 x 135cm 'The Language of Wind', iridescent pigment and oil on French polyester canvas, 99.5 x 175.5cm Selection of pencil, charcoal and gouache sketches from 'Fieldwork', published by Zabriskie Books, 2014

Ep 112: Jo Bertini

'Everyone has a COVID story' Joanna Logue told me when we spoke recently about her show with Scott Livesey Galleries in Melbourne. Part of Joanna's story is that, for the first time in her career, she wouldn't be attending the opening of her show. The paintings had travelled to Australia from her home in Mount Desert Island in the USA without her. Joanna is a previous podcast guest and creates breathtaking landscapes which spill over towards abstraction. In this episode we talk about her stunning recent body of work in 'Alone on the Marsh' which draws on the landscape of her home in Maine with its rugged marshes, waterways and dense vegetation. We also touch on the hardships brought by COVID - the homesickness, grief at the loss of a loved one back home and the dislocation caused by social and political unrest. In spite of the difficult times, Joanna also talks about a silver lining and how her painting may not have taken the course it did were it not for the events of the past year. Press 'play' beneath the above photo to hear the podcast episode. You can also see a short video from our conversation below. Above photo supplied by the artist Current exhibition 'Alone on the Marsh', Scott Livesey Galleries, Melbourne, 22 May to 19 June 2021 Links Joanna LogueJoanna Logue's exhibition at Scott Livesey GalleriesJoanna Logue at King Street Gallery on William Jan Pinkerton https://youtu.be/w9q6iaxTr74 TANGLE POND 1, 2021, oil on linen, 100.00 x 126.00 cm SOMES POND, 2021, oil on birch board, 41.00 x 51.00 cm BREAKNECK CREEK , 2021, oil on linen, 130.00 x 130.00 cm MARSH SONG II, 2021, oil on linen, 65.00 x 140.00 cm

Ep 111: Joanna Logue – ‘Alone on the Marsh’

We’ve all been there. You see an artwork and think 'surely, that is a photo'. But as you get closer and read the description, you accept it is made of paint, expertly applied, creating the illusion of reality. I am in awe of the artists who work in this way because it calls for painstaking labour and the technique is certainly not suited to every painter. Australian artist Robin Eley, based in Los Angeles, is highly skilled in every step of the process, producing work which leaves many viewers incredulous. For Robin, the task of creating the reference material is often the most important, and the time consuming execution of the painting requires expertise finessed over years of practice. Robin has been shortlisted in many Australian art prizes including the Archibald, the Doug Moran National Portrait prize (where he has been awarded runner up and highly commended) and the Eutick Memorial Still Life prize. His work is held in private collections and public institutions around the world.   In this episode you'll hear how Robin came to painting, which he didn’t embark on until he was 27, after a career as a commercial illustrator. A teacher of art, he is generous in sharing his knowledge as many of his Instagram and Facebook followers would know.  His most recent body of work has to be seen to be believed - paintings of masterpieces including the Mona Lisa and Girl with a Pearl Earring, wrapped in plastic. The illusion even continues beyond the canvas support where he has extended the sides irregularly to heighten the appearance of the plastic turning around the edges of the work.  He has also created other innovative works including 'The Binary Project' (see link below to YouTube video) which involved the participation of thousands of people around the world. The ambition of that work is typical of this artist, though; he is always pushing the boundaries of what a painting can be. To hear my conversation with Robin click 'play' beneath the above photo. A short video relating to this interview will be uploaded to this website and the Talking with Painters YouTube channel in a few weeks. Upcoming exhibition Solo exhibition, 2022, New York - details to be confirmed later this year. Links Robin EleyRobin Eley on InstagramRobin Eley on Facebook'The Binary Project' on YouTube'Alla Prima' by Richard SchmidtMichael ZavrosDavid Korins 'Mona Lisa (wrapped), oil on linen, gesso and marble dust 'Girl with a Pearl Earring', oil on linen, gesso and marble dust 'Self Portrait', 2010, oil on Belgian linen, 39" x 25"Runner Up, Doug Moran portrait Prize, 2010 'Polaroid', 2010, oil on Belgian linen, 24.5" x 18.5"Finalist, Eutick Memorial Still Life Award, 2011 'Plastic', 2011, oil on Belgian linen, 35.5" x 35.5" 'Silent Respiration', 2012, oil on Belgian linen, 24.5" x 18" 'The Deep Marine', 2012, oil on Belgian linen, 31.5" x 24" 'Bibliography', 2012, oil on linen-bound hard cover books, 70 x 48 cmFinalist, 2012 Archibald Prize, Art Gallery of NSW Part of 'The Binary Project'

Ep 110: Robin Eley

In early 2020, as COVID was sweeping the world, Filippa Buttitta (pictured right) was facing her own personal crisis. She had been working on her entry for the Archibald prize when she had trouble with her eyesight and was finding it difficult painting the fine details of her work. Thinking she needed an eye test, she visited her optometrist which led to a swift hospital admission and the shocking diagnosis of an aggressive brain tumour. In the past year she’s had to make decisions which go to the heart of one's purpose in life and which also highlight the importance of creativity.  This episode is about those choices but it’s also about Filippa's life as a skilled artist.  She's been painting for over 30 years, and has been a regular finalist in many art prizes including the Archibald (with a stunning portrait of the late Judy Cassab) as well as the Black Swan and Portia Geach and last year she was noted as one of the artists who had been selected the most times in Australian art prizes in that year.  Her entry into the Archibald this year is a fascinating portrait of her surgeon Professor Charlie Teo who has provided not only medical care prolonging her life but compassion and empathy along the way.   You’ll also be hearing from her close friend, artist Louisa Chircop (pictured above left), who joins us in this conversation. Louisa is a previous podcast guest and has been a rock for Filippa throughout this time. She is also entering the Archibald with a portrait of Filippa.  She was one of seven artists who requested Filippa to paint her portrait this year and even though many portrait sitters have in the past agreed to having their portrait painted by more than one artist for the Archibald, Filippa has only said yes to Louisa. We recorded this episode in Filippa’s studio in Sydney which also operates as a private gallery where she has exhibited her own work and that of fellow artists. From time to time you might also hear Filippas’ beautiful budgerigar, Sky. To hear the podcast conversation click 'play' beneath the above feature photo. A video of Filippa in her studio will be uploaded to this website in a few weeks. Links to people we talk about in this episode Filippa ButtittaLouisa ChircopJudy CassabTony CostaProf. Charlie TeoDawn Fraser 'Dr Charlie Teo Removing my Brain Tumour', 2021, oil on Italian linen, 140 x 155cm 'Judy Cassab - portrait of an artist', oil on Italian linen, 113 x 85cmFinalist Archibald Prize, 2015 'Tony Costa In His Studio', 2020, oil on Italian linen, 214 x 168cm 'Turbulent Waters', 2010, oil on Belgian linen, 214 x 127cm By Louisa Chircop'Filippa Buttitta - Post second brain tumour surgery', 2021, pencil, watercolour, gouache, watercolour markers and photomontage on polyester, 200cm x 137cm

Ep 109: Filippa Buttitta (with Louisa Chircop)

A riverbank in the Australian bush would be the perfect plein air location for many artists. A rushing stream, long tree trunks and a deep vista where the artist's eye can gather information into the distance. But what is more fascinating for leading Australian artist Guy Maestri, is what the substance he is applying to the canvas is capable of doing in response. Ever since art school he has been exploring the materiality of paint, whether it’s an Archibald-winning painting, a non-descript laneway or a bird as roadkill, it’s this passion which drives the work whether it’s in the landscape or back in his Sydney studio. Although some might think of him as a portrait painter - he's an Archibald Prize winner - his subject matter lies more in his expressive landscapes and breathtaking still life works. He's also a sculptor and his various interpretations of the classic bust are captivating. He has exhibited in over 25 solo shows to date and the Art Gallery of NSW has just announced the acquisition of his fabulous work 'the rain song' which was a finalist in last year's Wynne Prize. After years of plein air painting, Guy's studio work now plays a more significant role. The result is a growing body of outstanding works created through observation, imagination and a letting go of previous constraints. His show 'short stories', opening on 8 April at Yavuz Gallery in Sydney, is a testament to this way of painting. We recorded this interview outside Mudgee in country NSW, near the banks of a river among the sounds of birds and the wind in the casuarina trees. Guy had planned a day's painting after the interview and he set up a large canvas near the riverbank which he fixed to an easel to keep it stable. I was fortunate to film him setting up and painting that day and I'll be posting a video to the Talking with Painters Youtube channel of that work in the coming weeks. After the interview we also had the opportunity to see the construction progress of the spectacular new regional Art Gallery in Mudgee which is almost completed. Guy was born in the town and spent the first few years of his life there. An exhibition of his current works will hang on its walls when it opens its doors to the public. That show is scheduled for August this year. To hear me talk with Guy about how he became an artist and his approach to painting, click on 'play' beneath the above feature photo or listen however you get your podcasts. Upcoming shows Solo show 'short stories', Yavuz Gallery, 8 April - 1 May 2021Solo show and inaugural exhibition of the Mid-Western Regional Arts and Cultural centre, Mudgee, scheduled for August 2021 Links to things we talked about in the podcast Guy MaestriGuy Maestri at Yavuz GalleryGuy Maestri at Jan Murphy Gallery Guy Maestri at Sophie Gannon GalleryJames DrinkwaterGeoffrey Gurrumul YunupinguJennifer ByrneJude RaeLuke SciberrasDavid GriggsNeo RauchSally Anderson 'The rain song', 2020, oil on linen, 198 x 244cmFinalist, Wynne Prize, 2020Collection: Art Gallery of NSW, purchased with funds provided by the Art Gallery of NSW Society.Photo: AGNSW website 'neo's tree', 2021, oil on linen, 168 x 138cmPhoto courtesy of the artist 'LL 16' 2020, oil on linen, 168 x 138cmFrom the exhibition 'the lane' with Jan Murphy Gallery, 2020Photo courtesy of the artist 'Wreck No 21', 2016, oil on linen, 51 x 61cmPhoto courtesy of the artist Feral no. 13', 2015, oil on linen 61 x 71cmPhoto courtesy of the artist 'Shattered (Griggs)', 2016, oil on linen, 71.5 x 81.5cmFinalist Archibald Prize 2016Photo: Art Gallery of NSW website 'JB reading', 2020, oil on linen, 43.5 x 43.5cmFinalist 2020 Archibald PrizePhoto: Art Gallery of NSW website 'Dr Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu', 2009, oil on linen, 203 x 172.4cmWinner Archibald Prize 2009, Art Gallery of NSWCollection: National Portrait Gallery, Australia 'Self -portrait (for posterity)', resin,

Ep 108: Guy Maestri

'National treasure', 'legend,' 'inspiration'. These were just some of the reactions from my Instagram followers when I posted that I would be interviewing Guy Warren. Guy is about to turn 100 years old.  He has no less than 5 shows opening this year.  But he is also plain spoken, practical, down to earth and modest. In typical style he seemed pleased when I told him of the Instagram reaction, but he quickly changed the subject.  Guy has had an extraordinary career.  He has won numerous awards including the Archibald prize, exhibited in over 50 solo shows and a phenomenal 6 survey shows (with more to come this year), and received two honorary doctorates, the Order of Australia and the Australia Medal. His work is included in many public, private and corporate collections across the world. Although his paintings include portraiture and abstraction, much of his work is concerned with the landscape. His paintings reflect his interest in the idea that we humans belong to and are part of the landscape. This is a view which he formed when posted in Bougainville in World War II and it has echoed through his work down the decades. The fact that Guy will soon be turning 100 meant that I was one of many requesting an interview. Even so, he was generous with his time and shared his recollections of the Great Depression and WWII, of the tumultuous changes in the artworld in the 50s and 60s, and of his travels to Alice Springs, New Guinea and London.  We talk about the successes but also a couple of regrets. To hear the podcast episode click on 'play' beneath the above feature photo.  I'll also be posting a short video of Guy in his studio on the Talking with Painters YouTube channel and to this website soon. Upcoming shows 'The 100th year', King Street Gallery on William, Sydney, 16 March to 10 April 2021'From the Mountain to the Sky: Guy Warren drawings', National Centre for Drawing, National Art School, Sydney, 17 April - 22 May Gallery Lane Cove, Sydney, survey show, date TBAUniversity of Wollongong Gallery, Wollongong, date TBASolo show, Nicholas Thompson Gallery, Melbourne, 30 November to 18 December Links to things and people we talk about in this episode Guy Warren at King Street Gallery on WilliamGuy Warren at Nicholas Thompson GalleryTony TucksonKlaus FriedebergerErwin FabianFred Williams Bert FlugelmanIan FairweatherJoanna Logue David Attenborough 'To Jamberoo with love #1', 2020, acrylic on linen, 40 x 50cm Image courtesy of King Street Gallery on William and the artist 'Time out #1', 2020, watercolour on paper, 57 x 77cmImage courtesy of King Street Gallery on William and the artist 'Bush walk', 2015, acrylic on canvas, 60 x 60cmImage courtesy of King Street Gallery on William and the artist 'Gaia at Badgery's', 1990, synthetic polymer paint on linen, 274 x 274cmImage: National Gallery of Australia Collection 'Flugelman with Wingman', 1985, oil on canvas, 225 x 178cmWinner of the Archibald Prize 1985Image: Art Gallery of NSW website 'Prisoner', 1962Image: Canberra Museum and Gallery collection 'Hobart series no.8', 1979, watercolour on hand made paper, formed and manipulated Collection Art Gallery of NSWImage: Art Gallery of NSW website

Ep 107: Guy Warren

The name Namatjira is a famous one. Vincent Namatjira’s great-grandfather, Albert Namatjira, was one of Australia’s great painters, uniquely depicting Australia's desert landscapes in vibrant watercolour. Although he didn't know about his connection with the famous artist in his childhood - he was in foster care and removed from his culture - Vincent has made his own way to success. But this time it was through portraiture. Painting for the first time in 2012, he would soon become a regular finalist in Australia's most famous portrait prize, the Archibald, ultimately winning it in 2020. He was the first indigenous artist to win the Archibald but, as Vincent would say, 'it only took 99 years'. His winning painting, 'Stand strong for who you are’ was a portrait of the artist with Adam Goodes, the indigenous AFL player who became renowned for speaking out against racism. Vincent saw parallels between Adam's life and his own which he talks about in this conversation. The subjects of Vincent's portraits are wide-ranging; from his great-grandfather, aboriginal elders and politicians to the Queen, Captain Cook and Vladimir Putin. Painted in an expressive style, his works also encapsulate his unmistakable humour. In one work he places himself in the royal carriage with the Queen and in another is cutting a birthday cake with Donald Trump. Everyone is on a level playing field. Vincent lives in the Indulkana community in the APY lands, about 400 km south of Alice Springs and is one of about 30 artists connected to its arts centre, Iwantja Arts. He has received significant acclaim. Apart from winning the Archibald Prize, he won the Ramsay Art prize in 2019, has received an Order of Australia for his contribution to indigenous visual arts, his works have been acquired by the British Museum and significant institutional collections across Australia and he has exhibited in solo shows and international art fairs. I interviewed Vincent at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia where he had been commissioned to paint the museum’s Foyer wall. It’s a huge 15m work called 'P.P.F (Past-Present-Future)' and depicts people who have been influential in his life. It is a spectacular work and will remain in the foyer for the next two years. To hear our podcast conversation click on 'play' below the above photo. Scroll down for images of works we talk about on the podcast. Above photo of Vincent Namatjira by Daniel Boud, standing in front of P.P.F. (Past-Present-Future), 2021, commissioned by the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, 2021, supported by Veolia Environmental Services, image courtesy the artist; Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney; and Iwantja Arts, South Australia © the artist, Links Vincent Namatjira at Iwantja ArtsVincent Namatjira at This is No Fantasy Albert NamatjiraKunmanara 'Jimmy' PompeyAdam Goodes'The Final Quarter' documentary 'Stand Strong for who you are', 2020, acrylic on linen, 152 x 198cmWinner Archibald Prize 2020, Art Gallery of NSWImage: AGNSW website 'P.P.F. (Past-Present-Future)', 2021, synthetic polymer paint,  commissioned by the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, 2021, supported by Veolia Environmental Services, image courtesy the artist; Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney; and Iwantja Arts, South Australia © the artist, photograph Daniel Boud 'Studio self-portrait', 2018, acrylic on linen, 152 x 198cm, Highly commended in the Archibald Prize 2018, AGNSWImage: AGNSW website 'The Royal Tour (Vincent and Elizabeth)', 2020, acrylic on linen, 67 x 91cmImage courtesy of the artist and Iwantja Arts 'Prime Minister series, 2016, 'Seven Leaders series', 2016 and 'The Richest series', 2017acrylic on canvasImage courtesy of the artist and Iwantja Arts 'Welcome to Indulkana', 2018, acrylic on canvas, 122 x 304cmImage courtesy of the artist and Iwantja Arts

Ep 106: Vincent Namatjira

Tony Costa won the Archibald prize in 2019 with his stunning painting of contemporary artist Lindy Lee. I caught up with him a few weeks later in his studio in Sydney and our podcast conversation from that day is episode 70 of the podcast. I also recorded video in Tony's studio which I edited down to about 5 minutes, with lots of painting wisdom ending up on the cutting room floor. So in this episode I'm bringing you the full conversation. Tony has been painting for over 50 years. Apart from winning the Archibald prize, in portraiture he is a regular finalist in the Doug Moran and Kilgour prizes as well as many others, but it’s in landscape that he is particularly prolific. He has won the Paddington Art prize for landscape painting and repeatedly returns to the Royal National Park in Sydney’s south where he has found endless inspiration. His first solo exhibition since winning the Archibald opens at Art Atrium in Sydney on 15 May 2021 and will consist of oils, watercolour and ink works based on areas within the Royal National Park. To hear our 2019 conversation click 'play' beneath the above photo of Tony in his studio. You can see the video in Tony's studio below. I also filmed an interview with Tony in the Art Gallery of NSW not long after the Archibald announcement was made and you can see that video below also.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wmdfFrmK70 Tony Costa talks with me in his studio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybBqm0uLilI Tony Costa talks with me at the Art Gallery of NSW shortly after winning the Archibald Prize One of two drawings Tony made in preparation for his winning portrait The second drawing The hospital bed which serves as the working surface Tools used in painting The one paint brush in the studio Painting palette 'Hacking River No 5 Royal National Park'

Ep 105: Summer Series – Tony Costa

In 2019 I travelled 4 hours west of Sydney, past the Blue Mountains, driving through winding bush roads until I arrived at Hill End, the historic goldmining village which is now also known for its inspiring artist's community. It was there that I interviewed Susan Baird who a few years earlier had fallen in love with the town and now has a home and studio there, deep in the bush. We recorded a previous podcast interview where Susan talked with me about how she became an artist and developed her career. It's one of the most downloaded episodes on the podcast and you can hear it here. We also recorded video which I edited down for a YouTube video. I've since realised, though, that those video recordings are just as valuable as the podcast interview itself and that's why I'm bringing you this 'Summer Series' of longer recordings from videos. What you'll hear in this episode is the full audio recording from the video shoot. Susan's next solo show is coming up in June 2021 at Arthouse Gallery in Sydney and she has small works in the Gallery's current group show (January 2021). She is also represented by Flinders Lane Gallery in Melbourne and it was in the lead up to her last show with Flinders Lane that we recorded this interview. You can hear the podcast interview by pressing 'play' below the above feature photo or listen on your favourite podcast app. Scroll down to see stills of the places and works we talk about in this episode as well as the 2019 YouTube video. 'Bowman's Cottage', Hill End, NSW The shearing shed Susan Baird in her studio (formerly the property's hay shed) The studio ‘Studio Window, Bowman’s Cottage’, 2019, Oil on linen 137 x 97cm Finalist Calleen Art Award 2019 ‘Bush Telegraph’, 2019, oil on linen, 102 x 102cm https://youtu.be/c0_IZpOiHVE YouTube video

Ep 104: Summer Series – Susan Baird

My recent conversation with leading artist Euan Macleod is the first in a summer series of extended audio recordings from videos I’ve taken of my podcast guests. As is the way with videos, a lot of great material gets lost in the editing process so I’m bringing you the longer version of our conversations recorded during filming. I caught up with Euan in September 2020 at his knockout show ‘Figure in a dissolving landscape' at King Street Gallery on William in Sydney. I previously interviewed Euan in 2016 about his life and how he became an artist. Although we share him with New Zealand, where he was born, he’s one of our most celebrated and respected artists. He has been awarded the Archibald, Wynne Sulman and Gallipoli prizes just to name a few. His exhibition at King Street Gallery was strong and dramatic - figures in icy environments which were inspired by Euan’s trip to the Tasman glacier in New Zealand in February 2020. Click on 'play' beneath the feature photo to hear the podcast episode. See the YouTube video of this extended interview here See my video walkthrough of the exhibition here See below for images of works we talk about on the podcast. 'Social distancing', 2020, oil on polyester, 120 x 84cm 'Pull up', 2020, acrylic on polyester, 84 x 120cm 'Camp site', 2020, acrylic on polyester, 100 x 124cm 'Figure in a dissolving landscape' [triptych], 2020, oil on polyester, 200 x 424cm 'Lake', 2020, earthenware, 40 x 55 x 16cm , La Paloma Pottery 'Aspiring', 2020, earthenware, 32 x 51 x 4cm, La Paloma Pottery

Ep 103: Summer Series – Euan Macleod

Antonia Mrljak's art exudes a dynamic force. It mirrors her personality - one of energy, vibrancy and a sure sense of direction. She is one of Australia's most exciting emerging abstract artists. But it wasn't until after a career in fashion and creating a family that, almost by accident, she discovered that painting was the perfect way for her to express her experiences. Her Sicilian background and childhood strongly influence her work and this interview is as much a story of the journey of second generation Australians as it is the ability to succeed in art through sheer passion. Enterprisingly, she painted live at Sydney Contemporary in 2019 creating a nine metre high work in front of thousands of viewers attending the art fair. Antonia is represented in both Sydney and Melbourne by major commercial galleries and has a busy post-COVID year in 2021. Scroll down for details of upcoming shows. I met up with Antonia at her recent show 'Ground' at NandaHobbs in Sydney and I'll be uploading a short video of Antonia in her studio and the gallery to the Talking with Painters YouTube channel and to this website soon. We recorded this podcast interview in Antonia's studio in Sydney surrounded by her recent work. To hear our conversation click on 'play' beneath the above feature photo. Upcoming shows James Makin Gallery, launch and catalogue release, 11 December 2020 NandaHobbs, group show, 'Place', January 2021 James Makin Gallery, summer group show, January 2021 James Makin Gallery, solo show, 2021 NandaHobbs salon show (special edition), April 2021 Becker Minty, solo show, 2021 'Ritual', 2020, oil on linen, 183 x 152cm 'Girl with fig', 2020, 183 x 152cm 'The clouds moved so quickly it left the sky blue', 2020, oil on linen, 146 x 146cm 'A garden of rust and desire', 2020, oil on linen, 157 x 158cm 'I have come home I', 2020, oil on linen, 183 x 152cm 'No rules', 2020, oil on linen, 152 x 122cm

Ep 102: Antonia Mrljak

Australian artists talk about their lives and art

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Talking with Painters

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