The working dog - acrylic on board
WHEN TOM MCAULAY was described as an unlikely artist, twenty-five years ago he wryly commented that this was because he didn’t look like a gypsy!
It was really meant as a compliment about his then rising success, and the fact that he had made his livelihood from art since leaving school, and established a reputation based on the subjects he knew and understood, rather than the fashion at the time for creating controversy or being outspoken.
Tom McAulay’s art has continued to bring him accolades, a wide following and an income, generated by his artistic ability across several mediums and especially his focus on the landscape and characters of the Australian bush.
Tom McAulay at his studio easel
During July Tom McAulay’s Outback will be on display at ‘Art on Cairncross’. The gallery has already successfully toured this exhibition to Chinchilla Regional Gallery and to the Stockman’s Hall of Fame in Longreach this year, but new works have been added to replace the ones sold.
McAulay’s many trips exploring the outback and observing people at work on remote stations, have given him plenty of inspiration, and the paintings range from Lofty Pots a Red (snooker at the end of a hard day) to The Rainmaker ( a very spiritual rendition of the Aboriginal bond with the land).
He captures the gritty reality of the bush in a nostalgic rather than romantic vein, with mustering on horseback rather than motorbike; stockmen branding, and an eagle eyeing up a scampering lizard. This is the essence of Australia which is all too often overlooked.
Tom McAulay’s Outback is open from July 3 -31 at ‘Art on Cairncross’, Cairncross Corner, where the gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. The exhibition can also be viewed during these dates at www.artoncairncross.com.au
November 22nd, 2010 at 6:25 pm
Nice analogy. Keep in mind that failing at keeping people engaged is what made Friendster and MySpace jump the shark. Enough said. It’s time for a glass of wine and my favorite sitcom.