Blackall

Braving 37 degree temps for much of the week is was great to be back in Blackall. This time I had the opportunity to work with Blackall Historical Woolscour which is home to the last working steam powered facility of its type. The woolscour has seen numerous of upgrades over summer and tour guides are gearing up for a busy tourist season ahead.

I enjoyed working with awesome locals, Ros and the team at the scour are driving fantastic projects to benefit the community and the visitor experience. During the painting process I  learnt a fair amount about local history and their knowledge of horse anatomy and wool transport was invaluable to ensuring accuracy. A big thanks to Blackall State School and St Josephs for their involvement in the art making process.

Featured in the image is George Gill (1884-1961) with horses and a local wool wagon. We also applied some of the original hand cut steel wool bale stencils which likely date back to the 1930s/40s.

Handmade tin stencils from as far back as 1930’s & 40’s

Blackall

It was great to be back in Blackall. This time I was kept busy painting local facilities prior to the upcoming Better In Blackall Festival. I took on a challenging design considering the rough bricks but really satisfied with the result and copious amounts of positive feedback offered from locals and travellers. It was made possible by the support of the RADF, Flying Arts Alliance, Blackall Tambo Regional Council and with the assistance of Lucy Ann Artistry and a bunch of locals.

Blackall

One of the reasons I love travelling the Queensland outback is the abundance of inspiration for art. Arid landscapes that chase a never ending horizon, the vibrant colours of sunset, reflections in waterholes are all things of great natural beauty and leave their mark as memories whilst solidifying a connection to the land.

During my most recent trip to the outback I captured a bunch of interesting photos. This setting not far from Blackall may be relatable to many in the bush. A storm brewing afar while the glow of afternoon sun saturates a nearby paddock.  

Since returning to my studio, in between other commissions and side projects Iv’e been working on a series of new fine art. The new body of work is based on original photographs from my travels. I had to postpone my plans for a solo exhibition the past two years because of a global pandemic, maybe next year who knows I’m just enjoying pushing some paints on the canvas in the meantime.

I have entered this oil on canvas titled Tumbar Road Blackall into this years Blackall Annual Art Exhibition. 91.4cm x 45.7cm 

Blackall

Over many weeks in the studio and on location in outback Queensland I designed, painted and installed five large signs for the fabulous Acacia Motor Inn, Blackall.

Winton

It was great to be a part of Shockwave 2018 with workshops in Winton and Blackall.

Blackall B150

I had only just returned back to my studio after 4 weeks travelling Central Queensland to receive a call about my next project. A quick restock of materials and I headed west again, soon to be back in Blackall. The town is gearing up for its 150 year celebrations and after spending a week painting at the school last trip, this time my services were required around the CBD. I tackled a number of public artworks and sign painting commissions coinciding with many other street beautification projects happening for the B150 Celebrations. Thanks to Red Ridge for driving the project along with support from Blackall-Tambo Regional Council business owners and community members.

Blackall

It was great to return to Blackall State School to work with senior art students recently. We tackled a number of large murals and braved freezing cold mid winter mornings. Students and staff were so keen to participate I missed most of my lunch breaks but it was very much worthwhile as the new art evokes thought, reinforces school values and celebrates Blackall's unique identity.