AUSTRALIAN ARTISTS and PAINTERS
Welcome to our curated collection of original artworks by emerging and established artists. From bold contemporary paintings to delicate illustrations, each piece tells a story and is available for purchase directly from The Fine Art Hut. Whether you're a seasoned collector or looking for the perfect statement piece, explore a world of creativity and find art that speaks to you
Charles Blackman
(1928-2018)
Charles Blackman was a prominent Australian painter renowned for his evocative and poetic contributions to 20th-century figurative art. Born in Sydney, he left school at 13 to work as an illustrator for The Sun newspaper while attending night classes at East Sydney Technical College. Largely self-taught, Blackman developed a distinctive style characterized by dreamlike imagery and emotional depth.
His most celebrated works include the Schoolgirl and Alice in Wonderland series from the 1950s, which blend literary inspiration with personal experience. These series often explore themes of innocence, imagination, and the complexities of human relationships.
Blackman's art is marked by a sense of mystery and introspection, often reflecting his own life experiences and emotional states.
In 1959, Blackman co-founded the Antipodeans group, a collective of artists advocating for figurative art in response to the rise of abstract expressionism. His contributions to Australian art were recognized in 1977 when he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Throughout his career, Blackman's work was exhibited internationally, including shows at London's Whitechapel and Tate galleries.
His legacy endures through his extensive body of work, which continues to captivate audiences with its lyrical and emotive qualities.
Brian Seidel
(1928-2019)
Brian Seidel was a distinguished Australian artist celebrated for his evocative paintings and prints that often depicted semi-abstract landscapes, interiors, and street scenes.
Born in Adelaide, Seidel's artistic journey was significantly influenced by his early studies under the renowned artist Jeffrey Smart. His formal education included training at the South Australian School of Art, followed by advanced studies at the University of Iowa and the Slade School of Art in London.
Seidel's work is characterized by a masterful use of colour and composition, often exploring the interplay between interior spaces and exterior views. His subjects ranged from intimate figure studies to expansive landscapes, rendered with a unique blend of realism and abstraction.
Beyond his personal artistic practice, Seidel made significant contributions to art education in Australia, holding prominent teaching positions at institutions such as the South Australian School of Art and the Preston Institute of Technology in Melbourne.
Throughout his career, Seidel's artworks were acquired by major Australian institutions, including the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the Queensland Art Gallery.
His legacy endures through his influential teaching and a body of work that continues to resonate with audiences for its emotional depth and artistic innovation.
Margaret Preston
(1875-1963)
Margaret Preston was a pioneering Australian modernist painter and printmaker, celebrated for her bold use of colour, innovative compositions, and commitment to developing a distinctly Australian artistic identity.
Born in Port Adelaide, she studied at the National Gallery of Victoria Art School and later in Europe, where she was influenced by post-impressionism, Japanese woodblock prints, and modernist design principles.
Preston is best known for her vibrant still-life paintings and woodcuts featuring native Australian flora, as well as stylized landscapes and interiors. She was among the first non-Indigenous artists to incorporate Aboriginal motifs and design elements into her work, aiming to create a national art form rooted in the continent’s unique cultural and natural heritage.
While her approach has since been re-evaluated for its cultural implications, her influence on Australian art remains profound.
Throughout her career, Preston was a vocal advocate for modernism and women's roles in the arts. Her works are held in major public collections, including the National Gallery of Australia and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
She remains one of the most recognized figures in Australian art history.
Pro Hart
(1928-2006)
Kevin Charles "Pro" Hart was a celebrated Australian artist renowned for his vivid depictions of outback life and his role in popularizing regional art.
Born in Broken Hill, New South Wales, Hart began his career as a miner, painting in his spare time. Largely self-taught, he developed a distinctive style that combined narrative storytelling with bold colors and expressive brushwork.
Pro Hart's artworks often portrayed scenes of rural Australian life, capturing the spirit of the outback with authenticity and humour. His innovative techniques included using unconventional tools and methods, such as firing paint from cannons and experimenting with various materials. Despite initial skepticism from the art establishment, Hart's work gained widespread popularity, leading to exhibitions both nationally and internationally.
In recognition of his contributions to art, Pro Hart was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1976 and named Australian Citizen of the Year in 1983. His legacy continues through the Pro Hart Gallery in Broken Hill, which showcases his extensive body of work and celebrates his impact on Australian art.
Lilie Lowe
(1897- )
Lilie Lowe was an Australian artist born in Albury in 1897. Her artistic career spanned from the 1920s to the 1970s, during which she became known for her evocative landscapes, still lifes, and cityscapes, primarily depicting scenes from New South Wales. She resided in the Windsor and Hawkesbury River areas and also painted on the Central Coast.
Lowe's work received significant recognition, with her paintings accepted into the prestigious Wynne Prize on multiple occasions. Notably, her entries included "Windsor, N.S.W." in 1958, "Narrabeen Creek" in 1960, "After Rain at Moss Vale" in 1962, and "Broughton Creek" in 1968.
Her artworks are characterized by a delicate use of watercolour, capturing the serene beauty of the Australian landscape. Pieces like "Autumn Day" and "White Magnolias" exemplify her skill in portraying natural scenes with subtlety and depth.
Lowe's contributions to Australian art continue to be appreciated.
Ron Harbeck
(1921-1997)
Ronald George Harbeck was an Australian artist celebrated for his evocative screenprints and lithographs that capture the serene beauty of the Australian landscape.
Born on January 15, 1921, in Trafalgar, Victoria, Harbeck served as a Wireless Air Gunner in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II. Following his military service, he pursued art studies at Swinburne Technical College in Melbourne.
Harbeck's artistic career encompassed both commercial art and fine art, with a particular focus on screen printing. His works often depict tranquil scenes of rural and coastal Australia, rendered in soft pastel tones that evoke a dreamlike quality. Notable pieces include Pittwater! (1985), Sanctuary from the Storm (1989), Golden Dawn (1987), and Where Crimson Parrots Call (1989).
Harbeck's artworks have been featured in various exhibitions and are part of esteemed collections, including the National Gallery of Australia. His screenprints are characterized by their delicate use of colour and composition, capturing the essence of Australia's natural landscapes.
His contributions to Australian art continue to be appreciated for their serene portrayal of the country's landscapes and his mastery of printmaking techniques.
David Bromley
(1960- )
David Bromley, born in Sheffield, England, is a prominent Australian artist celebrated for his distinctive figurative paintings and sculptures. After immigrating to Australia in 1964, Bromley embarked on his artistic journey in the mid-1980s, initially working with clay before transitioning to painting.
His work is characterized by bold black outlines, vibrant colours, and layered textures, often depicting themes of childhood innocence and the female form.
Bromley's "Children's Series" draws inspiration from vintage children's books and illustrations, evoking nostalgia and a sense of wonder.
His "Nudes Series" explores the female form with a contemporary pop-art sensibility, often incorporating metallic paints and leafing techniques. His style reflects influences from artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, blending pop culture elements with expressive brushwork.
Bromley's work has garnered significant acclaim, leading to his selection as a finalist in the prestigious Archibald Prize on six occasions between 1999 and 2008. His art has been exhibited extensively across Australia and internationally, including in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the United States. Notably, he has been listed among Australian Art Collector magazine's "50 Most Collectable Artists" in 2001, 2002, and 2009.
Like many artists, Bromley has faced personal challenges and struggles - using art as a therapeutic outlet.
Wim Kortland
(1923-2006)
Wim Kortland is a Dutch-born Australian painter renowned for his evocative landscapes that capture the essence of the Australian countryside. Born in Holland in 1923, Kortland studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rotterdam before immigrating to Australia in 1960 at the age of 37. Upon his arrival, he was captivated by the Australian bush and began painting scenes from regions such as the Goulburn Valley and the Yarra Valley.
Kortland's artistic repertoire primarily includes oil paintings and watercolours, often depicting serene rural settings, riverbanks, and forested areas. His works are characterized by their on-location execution, aiming to authentically capture the natural light and atmosphere of the landscapes. Notable pieces include "Still Morning Mist" (1981), "Wilson Farm near Talbot, Victoria" (1980), and "Yarra Valley" (1983).
Today, Kortland's paintings are sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts who value his ability to convey the tranquil beauty of Australia's natural environments.
Hugh Sawrey
(1919-1999)
Hugh Sawrey CBE was a celebrated Australian artist renowned for his vivid depictions of rural and outback life. Born in Forest Glen, Queensland, Sawrey's early years were marked by hardship; his father's death when he was three led him to leave school at 15 to support his family during the Great Depression. He worked various jobs across Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia, experiences that deeply influenced his artistic vision.
During World War II, Sawrey served in both the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Air Force, with deployments in New Guinea. Post-war, he returned to the bush, continuing his work as a drover and stockman. It was during this period that he began painting, often creating artworks by campfire light and adorning the walls of outback pubs with murals.
In 1964, Sawrey transitioned to a full-time art career, establishing a studio in Brisbane and studying under artist Caroline Barker. His artworks, characterized by a figurative impressionist style, captured the essence of the Australian outback, portraying stockmen, horses, and the vast landscapes with authenticity and emotion.
Sawrey's contributions extended beyond his paintings. He was the founder and a former chairman of the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame in Longreach, Queensland, an institution dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Australia's rural pioneers.
Throughout his career, Sawrey received numerous accolades, including the Queensland Industries Fair Gold Medal. In 1989, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to the arts.
His works are held in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Queensland Art Gallery, the National Museum of Australia, and international institutions such as the Dunedin Public Art Gallery in New Zealand and the Rothschild Collection in Paris.
Sawrey's legacy endures, with his artworks continuing to resonate for their portrayal of Australia's outback life and characters. His dedication to capturing and preserving the spirit of the bush has solidified his place as one of Australia's most significant artists.
Geoffrey Riccardo
(1964- )
Geoffrey Ricardo is a distinguished Australian visual artist renowned for his figurative expressionist works in printmaking and sculpture. His art often delves into narrative themes, exploring human experiences and societal nuances through a unique visual language.
Ricardo was born in Melbourne, Victoria. He pursued his artistic education at the Chisholm Institute of Technology, earning a Bachelor of Arts, and later completed postgraduate and Master of Fine Art degrees in printmaking at Monash University. His academic journey laid a strong foundation for his multifaceted practice, encompassing drawing, etching, lithography, painting, and sculpture.
Ricardo's work often presents surreal narratives that comment on human folly and societal constructs. He employs techniques such as aquatinting and burnishing to create intricate prints, and his sculptures frequently feature hybrid creatures and symbolic elements. Notable exhibitions include "A Dark City Narrative" (2001), which showcased complex parables of contemporary urban life.
Since 1990, Ricardo has held regular solo and group exhibitions across Australia, including in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. His work has been featured in esteemed galleries such as Australian Galleries and BMG Art. In 2009, he received the Grand Prize at the Lorne Sculpture Exhibition, acknowledging his significant contribution to the Australian art scene.
Ricardo's artworks are held in major public and private collections, including the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the National Gallery of Victoria, and the Queensland Art Gallery.
David Taylor
(1941- )
David Taylor is a renowned Australian watercolourist celebrated for his expressive plein air paintings and influential teaching career. With a career spanning over five decades, Taylor's work is distinguished by its spontaneity, vibrant use of light and colour, and emotive depictions of landscapes and urban scenes.
Born in Melbourne, Taylor began his artistic journey with a six-year apprenticeship at the North Melbourne Printing School of Graphic Arts, mastering techniques in etching, engraving, and colour printing. He furthered his studies at the Caulfield Institute of Technology and the Melbourne College of Printing and Graphic Arts, laying a strong foundation for his future in watercolour painting.
Taylor's watercolours are known for their immediacy and atmospheric quality, often painted on location to capture the transient effects of light and weather. His approach is influenced by artists such as J.M.W. Turner, Claude Monet, John Singer Sargent, Winslow Homer, and James McNeill Whistler.
Taylor emphasizes the importance of conveying mood and feeling, aiming to capture the essence of his subjects in a fleeting moment.
Since 1975, Taylor has held regular solo exhibitions across Australia and internationally, including in England, the Channel Islands, and Stockholm. His accolades include over 100 awards.
In 1989, he received the Distinguished Leadership Award for outstanding services to watercolour and teaching from the International Directory of Distinguished Leadership.
Taylor has been teaching watercolour painting since the late 1960s, conducting workshops in Australia, Europe, the United States, and China. He has served as an international judge, including at the 2010 Shanghai Zhujiajiao International Watercolour Biennial Exhibition.
Taylor co-authored the book Solving the Mystery of Watercolour with Ron Ranson, and his instructional techniques are featured in DVDs such as Looking for the Light and Solving the Mystery of Watercolour, produced by APV Films.
Taylor is a Fellow of the Victorian Artists Society, an Honorary Life Member of the Watercolour Society of Victoria, and a member of the Twenty Melbourne Painters Society.
Adam Nudelman
(1967- )
Adam Nudelman is a contemporary Australian artist acclaimed for his evocative landscape paintings that intertwine personal history with broader themes of displacement, identity, and cultural memory.
Based in South Gippsland, Victoria, Nudelman's work is characterized by its meticulous technique and atmospheric depth, drawing inspiration from both European and Australian artistic traditions.
Nudelman graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from the Victorian College of the Arts in 1995. Nudelman's art often serves as a metaphor for themes of loss, belonging, and the search for identity.
His paintings frequently feature expansive skies and solitary structures, creating scenes that are both realistic and imbued with a sense of melancholy. Critics have noted his ability to capture the subtleties of light and atmosphere, drawing comparisons to artists like Ruisdael, Constable, and Turner.
Over a career spanning more than 25 years, Nudelman has exhibited widely across Australia.
His works are held in several prominent collections, including the National Museum of Australia in Canberra, the Gippsland Art Gallery, and the Victorian College of the Arts.
Nudelman's art is celebrated for its refined technique and emotional resonance. By blending classical painting methods with contemporary themes, he creates works that are both timeless and deeply personal. His exploration of the human condition through the lens of landscape painting positions him as a significant figure in contemporary Australian art.
Australian art captures everything from sweeping outback vistas and coastal scenes to urban life and imaginative surrealism.
Whether through traditional techniques or experimental approaches, Australian painters continue to reflect the nation's evolving cultural narrative—offering insight, beauty, and a deep sense of place.
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Mug'hyi
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I Banack
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M Barton
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Donald Brown
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P M Close
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C Davis
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Florence Willett
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Anne Hall (wife of John Perceval)
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Cedric Emanuel
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Emptage
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L Fleming
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William James
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P Judson
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R J Outteridge
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Arthur James
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Ruby C Lee
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C Loft
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David Marsden
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Martin
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June Murray
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Otto
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Alun Leach Jones
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K Sladek
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Craig Taylor
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W S A Watts
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Fred Weiss
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E Wells