Ned Kelly

Painting on canvas from my popular Ned Kelly series . The focal point of the painting rests on the dynamic duo – the determined outlaw and his trusty steed, prepared for yet another expedition. Ned Kelly, a stoic figure in his rusted armor, exudes an air of quiet determination. Seated confidently on the saddle, he gazes into the distance, perhaps contemplating the challenges that lie ahead The scene is enriched with the inclusion of travel essentials – pots, blankets, and an oil lamp – artfully arranged on the horse's back. These elements not only add a touch of realism but also hint at the nomadic lifestyle led by Ned Kelly, a man constantly on the move, facing the unknown with resilience and resourcefulness.The warm red palette envelops the entire composition, creating a harmonious unity that both intensifies the emotional depth and ties together the disparate elements of the scene. The choice of color conveys a blend of passion and warmth, mirroring the fiery spirit of a man who defied the odds.

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I am full-time contemporary Australian painter having completed a Master Degree at the European Academy of Arts in 1997. I generally paint under the name "Max Horst". Exploring the nature of people and the relationships between them, my paintings are very often short stories of small,daily moments of life. I distill these relationships through simplified forms and shapes, developing my own code of symbols - a code which is constantly changing and developing over time.In my quest for simplicity and honesty I draw much of my inspiration from cave paintings and naive art, “because I find them very honest as a form of art”.Using oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, I may mix them with drawing techniques. Natural pigments of earth colors are the base of my palette. With an intuitive preoccupation with color, form and line my work belies a carefully considered composition and an appreciation of the nature of human interaction.