Gone Fishing1

An original, textured oil painting capturing the quiet industry of the fishing fleet at Port Stephens, specifically the licensed trawlers at Nelson Bay.

Painted in oil with cold wax medium and charcoal on stretched canvas, the work emphasises both structure and atmosphere—the geometry of rigging and hulls set against a soft, luminous sky. The surface is richly layered, with visible brushwork and subtle scraping that evokes weathered timber, salt air, and the passage of time.

Muted turquoise and sea-worn blues are offset with warm rust tones, reflecting the working life of these vessels rather than an idealised maritime scene. The composition draws the eye through overlapping forms and lines, creating a sense of depth and quiet movement within the harbour

A characterful and expressive piece suited to lovers of coastal life, maritime subjects, or contemporary Australian landscape painting.

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SYDNEY-BASED AUSTRALIAN ARTIST

While travelling recently to Italy to do an art workshop, people commented: Oh, you're an artist. What kind of art do you do? I responded with an unconvinced "yes" and a less than informative "various". I realised that I needed to be more positive and specific (without the "art speak") about my art practice. My work is based on my life experiences, places to which I have been, people I know, objects significant to me. My style is "figurative", a tree looks like a tree, built environment is true, portraits have a likeness. I don't have the imagination for abstracts or the patience for hyper-realism. I have always liked to draw and it remains a solid basis for my painting. My medium for B&W works is ink stain and charcoal on heavy print paper. I paint in oil on canvas or panel depending on size. I am currently specialising in a 13th century medieval technique of egg tempera and gold leaf on timber panel.