Posts tagged History
Why is watercolour so underrepresented in the Archibald Prize?

Despite the fact that watercolour is rarely seen in the Archibald Prize, there have been notable occurrences of its inclusion. One such example is Cherry Hood's portrait of acclaimed Australian pianist Simon Tedeschi which was awarded the 2002 Archibald Prize. This painting of the young virtuoso showcases Hood's mastery of the watercolour medium. From the lifelike piercing blue eyes to the intentional drip marks, Hood manages to capture a tender side of the subject not often seen in traditional portraiture. Standing at 3.2 metres tall and 1.9 metres wide, this painting is a testament to the power of the watercolour medium on a large-scale.

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A History of Watercolour Art in Australia

These artists were drawn to watercolour as it allowed them to capture fleeting moments and the immediacy of the Australian wilderness. Without these early watercolour paintings, we would be deprived of a crucial record of Australia's history. They provide a unique glimpse into a time and place that has long since passed and allow us to appreciate the natural beauty of Australia as it was seen and experienced by the first European settlers.

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