Winton

After enjoying my time in Longreach and in awe of the abundant wildlife I headed to Winton. I have completed an array of commissions, youth and community projects over the years. This time around I was slightly unsure of the scope of potential works however an enthusiastic client assured me half the town will be lining up for new signs and this had been somewhat verified by numerous enquiries whilst on tour.

Having admired many of Bill O’Briens local works and very much inspired by Peter Smerdons commercial work across the region I have developed a deep appreciation for authentic hand painted signs. Although I started with custom graffiti lettering and initially shied away from paintbrush and traditional signwriting after I narrowly missed out on the last signwriting apprenticeship with Brisbane City Council in 1996. Back then far from a gift or talent I couldn’t write between the lines during school and struggled with learning difficulties. Its full circle to be enjoying traditional brush lettering more than ever as a late career artist. Its also interesting how digital stickers put an end to much of the sign painting industry and now AI is wreaking havoc to the entire arts sector however in Outback Queensland they sell firearms, cassettes and radios and seek authentic artwork crafted with skill and applied with quality materials to endure the harsh conditions.

A huge shout out to Searles Outback Store, Tattasalls Hotel and the Winton Outback Festival for the opportunity to splash some paint around. It was great to catch up with a stack of locals and I thank all of the tourists who indicated support but refrained from asking stupid questions!

There’s no doubt Winton is a leader when it comes to tourism and events so it was no surprise there were crews filming Travel Guides while I was working in the main street. Councils on the coast should take some notes as the Australian Age of The Dinosaur Museum will be bigger than Dreamworld in the near future. I’m planning to be back in the area in coming weeks to complete a few more commissions because I support the communities that support me, the abundance of blue skies, fresh air and good vibes…oh and a Guinness on tap that’s a winner after a productive days painting!

Winton

I just completed artwork for the fabulous Matilda Motel in Winton, Queensland. Hand painting a double corrugated north facing tin wall was challenging but the mural has given the site a lift and compliments other recent upgrades. Once again it was awesome to see familiar faces and make new friends ensuring an enjoyable experience.

Winton

What a special and scenic location on beautiful KOA country, awesome staff and the opportunity to create a mural in the most productive fossil laboratory in the Southern Hemisphere. I have learnt so much and leave inspired by the passion of the tour guides & volunteers. The displays are amazing and I'm still comprehending painting within a few meters of real dinosaur bones being cleaned up in the lab. I enjoyed every moment at Australian Age of Dinosaurs just an epic experience all round.

Winton

Another adventure began with a catch up in Blackall with some friends before heading to Winton for a large project. This time I was commissioned to paint two murals and a series of workshops.

Winton is the dinosaur capitol of Australia so a dinosaur mural was a good fit for the laneway between the library and bakery. This theme also referenced previous work on this site by Bill O’Brien who’s hand painted signs I have admired for many years. Incorporating the existing bricks into the artwork created a lot of interest and invited passers by to take a closer look. The large wall demanded decent sized features and I also managed to squeeze in smaller details to create points of interest along the laneway.

The second mural took shape on the local newsagents recently re-clad side wall. This time we focussed on other elements that have played a role in Winton’s recent history. The owners liked the idea of a mandala inspired design incorporating iconic local imagery. Through this consultation and concept develoment process I discovered a story that needed to be told. The owners late father was a well liked local character who built a successful transport business. Alan “Buddo” Grant became a living legend in 1995 when he broke the Guinness World Record for the longest road train. Winton is well known for Banjo Patterson, birthplace of QANTAS and opals which are reflected in many other public art installations and tourist attractions so It became apparent that Buddo’s legacy needed to be the main feature for the mural. I painted the original truck used and the 34 cattle trailers (including 4 fuel trailers) which were used in the amazing feat. Some of the local station brands were also incorporated into the design.

I had an epic time in Winton and can’t thank Winton Shire Council enough for their efforts to make this project happen. The feedback both from the murals and workshops was fantastic and no doubt this is a great example of best practice, where a number of stakeholders enabled positive outcomes. Mac & I are looking forward to next time already!

Winton

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

Winton State School

From Blackall I continued to Winton to share the love. There was plenty of creative inspiration in this dinosaur and opal crazed town including Arno’s wall ..Top stuff! I worked with students at Winton State School to complete a whole stack of artworks during the final couple of weeks of term three.