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Collections

A PLEASANT DISTRACTION | CATALOGUE 1

This online catalogue provides a range of paintings so you can identify your art preferences. 

As a distraction from the current pandemic and media, I offer the catalogue below to view a selection of art which I hope you enjoy! - Mark Widdup, Director.

To make an appointment to view an artwork at the gallery please email mark@cookshillgalleries.com.au / ring  0418 492259 or buy 'on-line' via our shopping cart on the galleries website.

 

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A PLEASANT DISTRACTION  | CATALOGUE 1

Abstract to Semi Abstract | Sept 2020

Cooks Hill Galleries (CHG) presents 'Abstract'. This online and in gallery exhibition opens Friday 18 September 6 - 8pm. Exhibition continues until Monday 5 October 2018. 

The development of abstraction in Australia art commenced around the 1940’s and it has had a place in the history of art ever since. It has influenced artists working in both 2d and 3d media.

For the viewer of abstraction it is a style some of us are comfortable with and others not! For many artist it is often a graduation and or development of a style stepping from a  traditional / represented foundation, beyond impressionist to a development of a feeling, a sense and or expression not desiring or need of a grounding of the ‘real’.

Abstraction is often difficult to define if at all it needs to be, and is often described as pushing the boundaries of realism. For the maker the challenge is to evolve an art direction with the use of the mind, experimentation and pushing boundaries. There is no limits to abstraction being an enormous attraction for many an artist.

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Abstract to Semi Abstract | Sept 2020

ABSTRACT TO SEMI-ABSTRACT

CHG Director’s statement: If I had to qualify one word to describe or summarise Phil Stallard painting it most probably would be he is a fine 'colourist'. What can't he do with colour, tone and expression, setting his art apart!

He captures the sensuality of colour in my opinion!

This combined with his symbols and focal point of the artwork balanced by his manner of using space does so much for reinforcing his abstract to semi abstract compositions.

Phil as have many artists, been impacted by Covid lockdowns and isolation by flood water impacting access to his bushland studio. This presents more time to think which often can trigger new approaches for an artist’s genre.

Phil is an emotional painter empowered by a spontaneous style, it's the energy of evolving an artwork being the driver for much of his creation.

I can hear Phil say ' My painting just comes to me, why I do something ... a colour, brushstroke is not so much deliberate it just happens?'

It's this honesty which is disarming for most of us, however I do know Phil understates his innate painting skill. Perhaps we can conclude he has an affinity with his choice and application of paint colour and just seems to continue to compositions that are resolved, making him the individual contemporary artist.

If I had to qualify one word to describe or summarise Phil Stallard painting it most probably would be he is a fine 'colourist'. What can't he do with colour, tone and expression, setting his art apart!.

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ABSTRACT TO SEMI-ABSTRACT

APRIL 2021 | BRUCE ROWLAND | YOUNG DANCERS

Cooks Hill Galleries (CHG) presents Bruce Rowland ‘Young Dancers'. This online and in gallery exhibition opens Saturday 10 APRIL 2.30pm. Exhibition continues until Monday 26 APRIL 2021.

More images to come closer to exhibition date.

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APRIL 2021 | BRUCE ROWLAND | YOUNG DANCERS

APRIL 2022

Private collections are developed with passion and intent. This selection of artworks illustrate the diversity of collectors tastes & preferences in art which is both fascinating as to what one has collected and highlights much contrast in subject matter, medium and styles.

I hope you enjoy this snapshot of Australian artists styles.

Our next email will contain new work from James Willebrant, a represented artist and an update on news from bronze sculptor, Steve Glassborow. He has much to say and offers a unique buying opportunity for our clients?

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APRIL 2022

APRIL 4 | BRETT MCMAHON | INTERTIDAL

 

Cooks Hill Galleries (CHG) presents Brett McMahon ‘Intertidal’. This online and in gallery exhibition opens Friday, 4 May 6 - 8pm. Exhibition continues until Monday, 28 May 2018.

"ɪntəˈtaɪdəl …of or relating to the zone of the shore between the high-water mark and low-water mark
One of the luxuries of living in Newcastle is the ability to access nature on a daily basis.
For me, this means trekking down to South Dudley rock platform to search for patterns and structures or exploring the stretch between Merewether and Bar beach during and after big seas or wild weather when all sorts of matter, organic or otherwise, gets deposited on the sand.
The visual possibilities are endless, and each storm, or change in the sea brings new opportunities…the shifting colours reflected from the water’s surface, days where black sun-dried kelp wrack covers the beach, or when it has been swept clean and the waves leave sequences of overlapping lines in the sand, or shallow pools that evaporate leaving rings of salt on the rock platform.
Underlying the observed physical material, is the sense of time, and that things are always in a state of change, sometimes incremental, sometimes sudden and dramatic.
The work presented in the exhibition ‘Intertidal’ at Cooks Hill Gallery records some of the material that I have encountered over the past 12 months while walking the sand." 
- Brett McMahon, March 2018

 

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Brett McMahon Art
Brett McMahon art
 
Brett McMahon Art
 
Brett McMahon Art
 
Brett McMahon Art
 

APRIL 6 | PHIL STALLARD | WATERLINE

Cooks Hill Galleries (CHG) is delighted to bring you ‘Phil Stallard - Waterline’. This online and in gallery exhibition opens Friday, 6 April 6 - 8pm. Exhibition continues until Tuesday, 24 April 2018. RSVP for the opening and invite your friends here


“For most of his career as a painter, Philip Stallard has been drawn to the theme of water. Stallard's childhood was spent around the Hawkesbury River. Here, he enjoyed seeking out remote shelves of the orange-red Hawkesbury sandstone, and gazing down on the river - sometimes still and glistening, sometimes wind-ruffled, and occasionally dour and agitated. He relished the eventful junctions where river meets sky. Or where the pulsing river meets the lush but sometimes fire-ravaged bushland.”
- Peter Pinson OAM

 

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Phil Stallard Art

ART BUYERS GROUP [ABG]

In future, CHG will be providing select clients with more personalised service, confidential one on one art advisory and investment recommendations. 

Tailored to taste, budget and style. No matter where you resideOur focus is on ‘quality’ artworks, with an emphasis on scarcity of offering, originality, provenance, and an artwork’s inherent qualities... We identify artworks that defy the ordinary and that you’ll love!

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Tim Storrier Art

ART FOR SALE | BROWSE & SHOP ART

Cooks Hill Galleries is one of Australia’s leading commercial art galleries. The Gallery presents regular exhibitions and features Australian art within four rooms, with artworks from a quality stable of Australian artists, from contemporary to colonial i.e. Brett Whiteley to Conrad Martens. The art on offer includes Abstract, Modern, Impressionism, Surrealism, and Traditional. CHG also deals in painting and sculpture from emerging artists.

We also offer the opportunity to preview artworks in your home or office prior to purchase and have interest free payment plans to help you own the art you love. 

Should you wish to preview one of these works in your home or office please contact us to make an appointment.

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Phil Stallard Art

AUG 2016 | NIGEL MILSOM - Collection

Lovers of art and Nigel Milsom fans, we have something special for you! 

I’m delighted to offer for sale a collection of 7 significant works by prominent Australian artist Nigel Milsom. Winner of the 2015 Archibald Prize, 2013 Doug Moran National Portrait Prize and 2012 Sir John Sulman Prize
This represents an opportunity of significance for the contemporary Australian art collector.

The works were completed in the artist’s studio between 2007- 2013, represent subject matter typical of the era and reflect the artist’s signature style.

"He has quite an individual technique and style quite unlike anything else."  Craig Brush. 

It is serendipitous to have these artworks available for sale as Nigel has a solo exhibition titled ‘Nigel Milsom // Judo-House PT. 6 (The White Bird) 2014 – 2016’ on display at The Lock-Up #Newcastle until 25 September 2016.

"I saw myself entirely differently but accept that my portrait is but an avatar of Nigel's extraordinary ability to push paint around the canvas with frenetic desire and with chilling effect." Charles Waterstreet.

Based in Newcastle Nigel Milsom is a highly sought after contemporary artist. Especially after winning the 2015 Archibald Prize with his dramatic painting of colourful Sydney barrister Charles Waterstreet (pictured). Nigel is well known for his powerful works and much lauded for his painterly approach and technique.

Purchase online or view these 8 oil paintings by Nigel Milsom at the Cooks Hill Galleries from Saturday 20 August for 3 weeks. 

Yours in art,
Mark Widdup
CHG Director

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Nigel Milsom Art

AUG 2016 | THE SPECIALISTS FROM JOHN MAITLAND, BEN KENNING, ROD BATHGATE, SUSAN SHERIDAN & GAVIN FRY

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT

Cooks Hill Galleries is delighted to bring you a specially curated exhibition showcasing a selection of art from contemporary Australian artists. Several known for their established practice and popular with our clients and online audience, others new- with an alluring appeal. All are professional artists with a unique and signature style, this is evident within their paintings. Resulting is an exciting and contrasting online and gallery exhibition that will appeal to the art lover!

This online and gallery exhibition features a collection of affordable contemporary paintings that will appeal to art collectors, whether it be those seeking a major showpiece for their home, office or an addition to an existing collection.

Yours in art,

Mark Widdup
CHG Director

DIGITAL EXHIBITION CATALOGUE >

In addition to viewing the collection below you can BROWSE + SHOP the digital exhibition catalogue here.

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Ben Kenning Art

AUGUST 2022

This eclectic collection features such established artists as Donald Friend, Tom Gleghorn and Charles Blackman. As these artworks have resided in a private collection, none of the pieces have come to market for a number of years; this collection therefore presents an opportunity to purchase some fine examples of various artists' work.

Each piece presents a unique perspective of the artists' talent.

Friend's 'Boys with a fish' certainly demonstrates his skill in anatomical drawing, whilst the Proof plate of Bambooziana with it's random couplings, wild animals and erupting volcano, accompanied by friend's handwritten description, is simply fascinating.

A further two ink sketches confirm his ability to capture a scene using but a few strong lines.

Enjoy your perusal of this collection.

 

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AUGUST 2022

AUGUST 25 | ADAM CULLEN AND THE CUBISTS

DIRECTORS INTRODUCTION

Adam Cullen won the prestigious Archibald prize in 2000 with a portrait of Australian actor, David Wenham. His raw, expressionist, ‘grunge’ style was famously showcased in this piece.

Cullen’s friend and lawyer Charles Waterstreet reported to ‘the Age’ newspaper in 2012, that “We have lost a great artist, who lived and breathed the life of an artist”. Cullen had passed away in his sleep at 47 years of age.

“Cullen was a colourful and controversial artist who used a striking style to examine everything from crime, to masculinity to cowboy culture”.

CHG is delighted to offer for sale what is possibly the largest private collection of works available from iconic Australian artist, Adam Cullen.

This collection includes over thirty-six works. Amongst these are six oil paintings. Two of these are major works that have previously been exhibited at the Art Gallery of NSW and represent an excellent opportunity for the discerning and astute art collector.

Within the collection you’ll also find a diverse range of affordable works on paper and etchings, ideal for the new art collector. Cullen's iconic Ned Kelly, Roo and Horses are also showcased. Further, a suite of limited edition bronze sculptures perfectly complements the wall art!

ARTIST PROFILE - ADAM CULLEN

One of Australia’s most colorful, collectible contemporary artists, Adam Cullen was well known for his involvement in the “grunge” art movement of the early 1990s. His work examined everything from masculinity, crime and cowboy culture.

Being passionate about art and drawing from an early age, Adam Cullen produced cartoons for the local Collaroy Plateau newspaper and went on to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Diploma of Professional Art and a Master of Fine Arts, finishing his academic career in 1999.

In an event that foresaw his artistic fascination with death and decomposition, Cullen lived for two weeks during his schooling with a decaying pig’s head chained to his ankle as part of a performance art project. Attending classes and reportedly sleeping with his leg out of the window to avoid the growing stench, he only abandoned the act when the local bus driver refused to let him aboard with the rotting appendage.

Working from his studio in Wentworth Falls, New South Wales, Cullen painted whilst listening to punk bands such as the Butthole Surfers, Black Flag and the Meat Puppets, his works focusing on the inevitable rot and mess of existence. Dead cats, rotting kangaroos and headless bodies pervade his pieces, demonstrating that, as an artist, Cullen wished his audience to experience strong emotions as a result of his art, sidestepping more rational, critical responses.

Cullen’s often provocative works explore issues of racial intolerance, bigotry, political and social hypocrisy and sexism. A stand-out piece, Shut up, nobody wants to hear your stories (2000), comments on society’s objectification of the female form, featuring a leering man’s head staring at a beheaded, nude female figure.

His style often borrowed from so-called “low” cultural influences such as graffiti, resulting in some critics describing his provocative works as crude and simplistic, their only intent being to shock the middle classes.

With this in view, it came as a surprise to some when Cullen received the distinguished Archibald Prize in 2000 with his portrait of actor David Wenham. This recognition resulted in a much larger audience for his works, and his style changed noticeably to a bolder pop-art style, featuring strong black outlines and thick, dripping paints.

Despite becoming a critically acclaimed artist, Cullen continued to create controversy illustrating notorious criminal Chopper Reid’s book Hooky the Cripple in 2002, and in 2003 exhibiting a painting of John Travers, a convicted murderer, causing outrage from the claim that Cullen sought to glorify the criminal, an accusation the artist strongly denied.

Cullen’s works are represented in all major art galleries in Australia and in 2012 an untitled Ned Kelly painting sold for $27,000 at auction, a personal record for the artist.

ARTIST PROFILE - GAVIN FRY

Gavin Fry is a writer, artist and publisher, working in Newcastle, New South Wales. After a long career in museums and galleries, in retirement he has returned to painting after three decades away from the easel. His work is currently being exhibited at Cooks Hill Gallery in Newcastle, as well as exhibitions nationally.

As a writer Gavin has published more than twenty books on Australian art and history and has of recent times begun to publish books on behalf of other writers and artists.



Gavin's recent body of work has been directed to Newcastle icons. Gavin’s style is expressionist incorporating vertical light planes and angles somewhat rendering a cubist influence with a 1970’s aura.

ARTIST PROFILE - SHANNON WOODWARD

Shannon Woodward is an emerging cubist figurative artist. She completed a Fine Arts Diploma in 2004 and has exhibited with Quirindi Fine Art Galleries, SAASS Art Studio and Cooks Hill Galleries. Her style has become more explosive in recent times, with the cubist elements becoming more stylised with the figure being offset by an expressionist backdrop.



Woodwards work often appears quite 3 dimensional with a controlled and considered balance between foreground and landscape. This is an exciting direction for the artist. Artists who have influenced Shannon include Piet Mondrian, Marcel Duchamp, Kandinsky, Norman Lindsay and Brett Whiteley.

REPRESENTED ARTIST PROFILES

Discover more about represented artist Gavin Fry by reviewing his artist profile and major works here. Review Adam Cullen's top Australian artist profile here.

DOWNLOAD DIGITAL EXHIBITION CATALOGUE

The digital exhibition catalogue is available for download here.

 

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Adam Cullen Art

Brett McMahon | CHG Represented Artist

McMahon’s art has a contemporary feel that sits well within architectural and modern-styled environments. There is a restrained influence from Asian art compositions, identifiable in his use of space surrounding a focal point of a subject, but Brett’s compositions are completely Australian influenced. His work will attract minimalist minded collectors and those that enjoy a space and balance with a composition. Learn more about CHG represented artist Brett McMahon by reviewing his artist profile here.

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Brett McMahon Art
Brett McMahon Art
 
 
 
 

Bruce Rowland | CHG Represented Artist

It’s hard to make a comparison with an Australian artist who has the skills that Bruce Rowland possesses. Arguably there hasn’t been an artist since Norman Lindsay who has the scope of art skill across so many mediums as Bruce Rowland. Learn more about CHG represented artist Bruce Rowland by reviewing his artist profile here.

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Bruce Rowland Art

CATHERINE BANNEY | STORIES WITHOUT WORDS | FEBRUARY 2024

OPENS SATURDAY 10, FEBRUARY 3-5PM | CONTINUES 27, FEBRUARY.

 

There’s no doubt that pictures are powerful.  They crystallise our memories; depict thoughts, fears, and desires; stir imagination; and evoke emotions.  In the book, The
Neverending Story, there’s a chapter where the protagonist has lost all his memories and no longer knows who he is.  His last hope of recovering his identity is to go down into the picture mines in the magical land of Fantastica and keep unearthing pictures until he finds one that feels like a link to his past.  Eventually he finds one, just one, that touches his heart and helps him find his way home.  It’s this power to penetrate deep into our minds, beyond our day-to-day thoughts, that brings us back again and again to certain images.  We see lines and colours with our eyes, but our minds add layers of meaning, perhaps that the creator of the image never envisaged.  Why a particular picture resonates with a particular person might be obvious, or far from it.  Our relationship with an image is as unique as our own thoughts and experiences.
‘Stories without words’ is an exhibition of paintings that each tell part of a story.  What the story is about, and how it begins and ends, is very much up to the viewer to determine! No two people will have the same response to the paintings, nor will the images inspire the exact same story in any two people. So, let your imaginations roam free and have some fun exploring ‘stories without words’. - Catherine Banney

 

Please click on individual images to see catalogue details and enlarged photo with zoom.

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CATHERINE BANNEY | STORIES WITHOUT WORDS | FEBRUARY 2024

CHG 40TH BIRTHDAY EXHIBITION FROM A SELECTION OF THE GALLERIES ARTISTS

CHG 40TH BIRTHDAY EXHIBITION FROM A SELECTION OF THE GALLERIES ARTISTS
OPENING FRIDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2014 6 - 8PM
EXHIBITION CONTINUES TO MONDAY 6 OCTOBER 2016

Friends of the Gallery,

We're turning 40 and to celebrate we've created an exciting program of events to be held on Saturday 13th September to commemorate Cooks Hill Gallery's contribution to the arts and this significant milestone in the history of the Gallery.

From 3pm we have a panel discussion with a selection of CHG's represented artists who will discuss life as a professional artist, their relationship with the Gallery, and perhaps the odd tale or interesting story involving me over the past 40 years!

At 4pm I will address the gathering and formally open CHG's '40th Birthday Exhibition' which will feature a special selection of art from 30 of CHG's artists who have been invited to submit work especially for this milestone show.

Following enjoy a cocktail party set against the stunning backdrop of the '40th Birthday Exhibition', connect with the artists, catch up with old friends and make new as we celebrate CHG's 40th birthday in style! So please and without delay RSVP for this exciting event now and come celebrate our special day together.

The exhibition continues until Monday 6th October and will be available for viewing online at our website from 4pm Sunday the 14th of September.

Yours in art,

Mark Widdup
CHG Director

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Cooks Hill Galleries

CHG DIRECTOR'S SELECTION | MUST SEE ART

We're delighted to bring you the Director's Selection. Curated by CHG Director Mark Widdup and handpicked to delight, with a selection of affordable artworks that will look stunning in your home or office. Should you wish to preview one of these works in your home or office please contact us to make an appointment.

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Cooks Hill Galleries

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR COLLECTION 2019 | ONLINE GROUP EXHIBITION

This is an online only exhibition - available to browse and shop on our website.

A CURATED COLLECTION OF PAINTINGS BY OUR REPRESENTED ARTISTS THAT’S REPRESENTATIVE OF THE GALLERIES ARTISTS. MANY OF OUR FOLLOWERS ARE TIME POOR AND THIS IS A TIME OF YEAR WHEN THEY HAVE THE TIME TO REFLECT ON THE PAST YEAR AND CATCH UP ON THEIR ART INTERESTS!

During the holiday recess explore our Facebook and Instagram and the galleries website, where you’ll find over 2,200 artworks on display and available for purchase. 

Yours in art,
Mark Widdup
CHG Director

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CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR COLLECTION 2019 | ONLINE GROUP EXHIBITION

DAVID BESCHI | CHG REPRESENTED ARTIST

Artist David Beschi brings a traditional technique of watercolour lost by the schools of learning in Australia today. Browse and shop art by David Beschi here. He has a confidence and vision rarely seen by watercolourist of our time. Learn more about CHG represented artist David Beschi by reviewing his artist profile here.

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David Beschi Art

DEC 16 | ECLECTICA + ALL THE TIME FROM ROD BATHGATE & JANE PARKES

CHG DIRECTOR'S NOTES

Eclectica’ from Rod Bathgate - arguably Australia’s best pastel artist - represents a deviation from his much-loved works exploring the Newcastle coastline.

Rod refers to this as ‘a need to explore other pastures’. What will you see in this exhibition? A stunning collection of works depicting other places, including Port Stephens, Treachery beach, Seal Rocks and Mossman Gorge. Plus a potpourri of other stock works from this master.

‘All the Time’ from Jane Parkes sees us invited into Jane’s kingdom! What’s real and what’s not is of no consequence. Is Jane Parkes an excitable child? Possibly! The references in her naïve figurative paintings suggest so.

Most of the subjects in her art are inspired by fantasy and escapism, removed from a lack of humanity, cruelty, uncaring – all real concerns for Jane and present in this world.

Explore Jane’s world, where her imagination reigns creating places that vibrate love and kindness.

I look forward to seeing you on the evening. And if you can’t make it be sure to browse the digital exhibition catalogue which will be available on our website and Facebook page following the opening evening.

'ECLECTICA' ROD BATHGATE

I continue to marvel at Rod’s understanding and mastery of the pastel medium. A challenging one to use!
Rod is not only accomplished with pastel on paper and board, but equally so in oil painting. Photolike complicated compositions detailing, light, water effects and beachscapes with a figurative aspect are what we expect from this artist.

If you are seeking trade marks in this professional artist’s subject; you need look no further than to his handling of clouds, light play over water, gradation of colouring from the horizon. His treatment of an ocean wave at all its stages of development and to the water’s edge is a good lesson in control and the luminosity of this master’s stroke. I doubt there is any better artist when capturing moving and still water!

Complimenting Rod’s original artworks will be an exciting selection of limited edition prints including ‘Toppa Town’, the original of which achieved a record sale price for a Hunter artist in 2015!
It is always a delight to have Rod exhibiting at CHG. He commands such a strong following and respect. Followers will delight in this collection of works!

'ALL THE TIME' JANE PARKES

I have known Jane Parkes (or JP as she refers to herself) for decades and she remains the same upbeat personality. Her life and world is often perceived as make believe! Or is it a cover? I have decided I don’t care!

Jane’s figurative paintings, set in a fantasy world could be considered theatrical. I do know the time spent on developing her compositions is of little care to Jane because when she is art making she is completely fulfilled and taken to a place which provides comfort!

Jane’s exacting and considered compositions reflect a high degree of skill and control, which she has developed with the gouache medium.

Jane’s inspiration commences with an image which creeps into her consciousness “a shape or a wall paper design; the ideas develop”.
Jane has an appreciation of all things art and the joys of life including music, art teaching, theatre, acting, animals, people and their care etc. Her paintings, often drawn from her fantasy life of thoughts and dreams are also based upon life’s experiences and happenings.

In this new exhibition, we also see Jane’s original images translated to pillows and bags for display and sale alongside 15 original gouache paintings and Giclee limited edition prints, available in 3 sizes and enhanced with gold leaf and whitening compositions.

THE ARTIST'S

ROD BATHGATE
“Through the medium of soft pastel, and using an 'edge to edge' technique, I hope to bring an intimate reflection of our beloved coastline, oceans, rivers, hideaways and enchanting spots.
I have always appreciated the jewel-like qualities of moving water- their hypnotic effects of the eye and their sparkling, cleansing feel. Through adapting a palette to suit the seascape, an almost unlimited vocabulary of flicker, refractions, shadows and reflections, merge to give me the desired finish.
I believe pastel can achieve much more than any other medium in creating alluring scenes. Even today my desire to discover more about this ever-changing subject grows more and more.
My love of water and natural beauty in all its facets has drawn me back time and time again to, hopefully, discover more of its hidden charms.”Rod Bathgate.

JANE PARKES:
“My art is the stuff of dreams. I explore the world of fantasy with the finest details played out on paper.
Like actors in wonderful dramas, sailors, musicians, young love, and the like play out their stories on a flat stage in settings that are as decorative as their costumes.
I cannot rest until I am utterly enchanted by the final product. Do enjoy my lil pictures.”Jane Parkes.

DIGITAL EXHIBITION CATALOGUE

In addition to viewing the collection below you can BROWSE the digital exhibition catalogue here.

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DEC 16 | ECLECTICA + ALL THE TIME FROM ROD BATHGATE & JANE PARKES

DEC 2016 | Christmas Collection

Tis the season to be… giving the gift of art! So we've put together a selection of 14 original artworks and limited edition prints from some of the Galleries represented artists. These artworks would make the perfect gift for a loved one this Christmas. Should you wish to preview one of these works in your home or office please contact us to make an appointment.

Don't like what you see? Then our art selection service can help you find the perfect artwork for your home, office or loved one. Contact us to book your art selection consultation now. 

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Susan Weaver Art

DEC 2019 | ROD BATHGATE | SUMMER BREEZE

Cooks Hill Galleries (CHG) presents Rod Bathgate ‘Summer Breeze'. This online and in gallery exhibition opens Friday 29 November 6 - 8pm. Exhibition continues until Monday 16 December 2018.

IT IS NOT UNUSUAL FOR AN ARTIST TO REVISIT AN EARLIER COMPOSITION AND ONE OF THE POINTS OF DISTINCTION IN THIS EXHIBITION IS JUST THAT, EXCEPT ROD HAS REVISITED PAST PASTEL COMPOSITIONS AND REWORKED THE PAINTINGS IN OIL ON CANVAS AS THE MEDIUM. ROD'S VERSATILITY IN MOVING FROM ONE MEDIUM INTO ANOTHER SHOWS A COMPLETE COMPREHENSION OF THE INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A PASTEL VS AN OIL. - MARK WIDDUP

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DEC 2019 | ROD BATHGATE | SUMMER BREEZE

DECEMBER 8 | ROD BATHGATE | "PEARLA" MEANING GOOD OR BEAUT....YOU GET MY DRIFT

ARTIST STATEMENT

I have always been interested in art since I was a small child. Both my parents paint and draw and it was inevitable that I would find some paper and pencils and begin sketching very early on.

I had a deep interest in the old masters of the European Renaissance and the Baroque.
Through my schooling I was privileged to have very enthusiastic art teachers. Most were painters, some were poets and others came from different fields like sculpture and printmaking.

My time in the National Art School in Newcastle from 1977 to 1981 was exciting and gave me an opportunity to find a particular field that I was interested in. The fashion in 1977 was German expressionism, though my own desire was to learn painting and drawing skills to have a good grounding in realism and traditional techniques.
Sadly these were not being taught and therefore, I found myself having to develop through a series of trial and error exercises.

Having said that, I was still exposed to other fields in art school, such as printmaking [etching and silk screening], photography and conceptual and kinetic sculpture. So, I never considered my time there as ever wasted.

Coinciding with my Diploma and Post Graduate Diploma, I went to Tech. college and gained a journeyman certificate in signwriting, that would take me to work all over the country. For a time, I worked with a trade sign writer in Nelson Bay, which led to many years painting sideshows and carnival backdrops.

It was in 1988 that I launched into pastels as a serious field. 
I found the medium very natural and soon developed a naturalistic/quasi photo real style of seascape where my focus was dappled sunlight in shallow water. After a short while I established my 'signature' in pastels with water being my main subject.

Ever since that time I have honed my pastel skills as well as illustration and cartooning [which I loved from a very early age]. 

I work mainly in pastels these days, but I enjoy all mediums including oils, acrylics, gouache and of course pencil and pen and ink.

The 'boutique market' to which I have supplied years of work has given me a reasonably established name and without the help of curators like Mark Widdup at Cooks Hill Galleries, I would have found it very difficult to reach my goals.

I never tire of the work I do and there is always new insights and things to learn about the medium and my subjects.

DIRECTORS STATEMENT

Bathgate captures more than realism, that is an understatement! An aura and familiarity of a location gets developed in his art yet with his observation he extracts the essence of a place as though he knows the local intimately. That he does for much of the beachscapes of Newcastle however Rod delves into a subject to explore it in a 3d fashion! Typical subject matter to highlight this phenomena is his over, through and underwater light and water fracture. The viewer of a Bathgate pastel has the ability for one’s eyes to pass through the composition as would a 3 dimensional scan or passage!  The best examples to illustrate this is the artworks titled ‘Crystal voyager’ or a wave composition ‘Silk’ where you become immersed.

There is the experience of ‘being there’ that is revealed to the viewer within a Bathgate landscape! He makes you look, feel and react.

The pastel medium is transformed by Bathgate, developed by layering, rubbing back and what I describe as an innate understanding of subject he chooses to paint and how the pastel needs to be applied. Combine this with his vision of place (the subject) he elects to paint he is the master of what is to be revealed.

Rod has elected to stay with the visual art of realism, however he can/could easily transcend to ‘street art; or ‘cartoons’ The later he continually enjoys for his own pleasure and distinctiveness. 

For beach lovers this exhibition of 20 artworks is a Newcastle’s ‘Bathers way’ of discovery! Post the Super cars finale in Newcastle last month it is so pertinent a reminder that Bathgate has been observing and remarking on our coastline well before the national and international media exposure of Newcastle. In fact he can tell and give the viewers of the region far more insights than a camera pan over the cities landscape. Set Bathgate to work and he enhances the obvious locations and the overlooked with an artist vision achieved through decades of experience and knowledge.

DIGITAL EXHIBITION CATALOGUE

The digital exhibition catalogue containing exhibition introduction, artist statement and CHG Director's statement can be downloaded here following the opening. 

 

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Rod Bathgate Art

FEB 10 2017 | EVEN SEAHORSES GET THE BENDS FROM PHIL STALLARD

Phil Stallard art
Phil Stallard in the studio

CHG DIRECTOR'S NOTES

More than an exhibition opening - a performance event!

Moving his studio to Redfern in 2016 put Phil Stallard’s inspiration into overdrive! It could almost be seen as a ‘relief’ or a post grieving. He goes on to mention ‘it is the first exhibition where he is ok – inspired and positive’.

This gives insight to his metaphor ‘to dive into his emotions after it had been boarded up’. He has made a connection or reconnection with his art making. Furthermore, he expands on the fact he has been in ‘recovery mode’ since his divorce 3 years ago. He recognizes he needed time on his own for healing.
Ever restless he loathes the static, needing to change and develop almost being a part of Phil’s DNA I believe.
Over lunch he qualifies ‘his good works are accidents’. An over statement however it caught my attention. He qualifies, ‘he never wants to paint by formula’.

Phil’s love of music, another art expression, seems to be booming also. Last year’s release of his new album is seen as a cult favourite. Phil writes, composes, engineers and plays.
We are excited to have an art performance at his opening on Friday February 10, 6-8pm.
Phil and the band will perform after the formalities (6.40 pm)! At approximately 7pm the performance will commence (15-20 minute bracket). So what can you expect? It is titled:
A NIGHT WITH ART INSTALLATION AND MUSIC!
Phil says ‘music and art all thrusted to awake your senses’!

It will be like having the ‘bends’ – coming up from the depths with a headiness!

If you can’t attend the opening, we will have some live video on Facebook to showcase the experience!

THE ARTIST

PHIL STALLARD

Who is Phil Stallard? An inspiring person full of energy, spontaneity and abstract painter who interprets colour in a unique way! The use of symbolism, forms, expressive use of colour identifies his style. We might call him an abstract expressionist with a high key tone incorporating a lushness of paint. The viewer’s experience has a ‘wow factor’. This exhibition offering as much of that as ever, though more so for Phil. Peter Pinson’s introduction is worth a read where he indicates the influence of Phil’s work at Sydney shipyards as a pinnacle experience for his understanding of colour in materials. He immediately reacted to the ageing and distress - stains, rust, and discoloring which symbolizes the passion for colour within his own vision.

Phil cannot stop painting. He rushes head first to commence painting daily. There is massive potential with this artist and I’m delighted to share with you that he intends to enter art competitions again. Powerful abstract compositions, derivative of the 1980’s and earlier have representation again with Stallard’s art! I feel sure the response to his new series of paintings will be acknowledged and absorbed by abstract audiences.

ARTIST STATEMENT

In this series, I’m coming up from a deep dive into a memory way too fast, emotions are mixed with the deliciousness of colour, the memory becomes obscured and saturated with colour – the result is a painting that sings its own tune.

There are places I return to time and time again in my painting, sometimes it’s the same place that I return to repeatedly, there’s a place in the water off Pyrmont, there’s the Garden Island dry dock in the 80’s and place that is merely a sidelong glance off the Burns Bay Bridge, the water is so seductive.

As an artist, I must keep moving, there are old formulas that I’ve departed from, I’m heading into new territory – its exciting.


DIGITAL EXHIBITION CATALOGUE

In addition to viewing the collection below you can BROWSE the digital exhibition catalogue here.

 

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Phil Stallard Art

FEB 2020 | GEORGE GITTOES | 'CHI-RAQ - PAINTINGS FROM CHICAGO, MIAMI AND IRAQ

Cooks Hill Galleries (CHG) presents George Gittoes, paintings from Chicago, Miami and Iraq. This is an in gallery and online exhibition opening Friday 21 February 6 - 8pm.

Official opening and artist talk is at 6.40pm; followed by a book signing and sale of the book "Blood Mystic" and songs by Hellen Rose. 

If you are unable to attend the opening you can watch the event LIVE on our Facebook page at 6.40pm and view the collection on our website.

Exhibition continues until Monday 9 March 2020.

"I grew up in the 50's when my parents talked about the 'roaring twenties' as a carefree time when they met, fell in love and went dancing.  Their later stories about the Depression and then the War got dark.  My sister was born during the war and I followed in 1949, just after.  Growing up in Rockdale our favourite TV show was ‘The Untouchables’ with Elliot Ness and the gangster scene in Chicago. Prohibition Clubs with amazing blues and jazz music accompanied by the ratta-tat-tat of machine guns.


We have just finished our film White Light after spending almost two years in Southside Chicago where gun deaths are more common than any war zone I have witnessed. There, the young gangs do not like to be called gangs , explaining "George , there are no good guys or bad guys. If you met the
guys are killing our friends and families you would like them as
much as you like us". I went to Englewood (Southside Chicago) because the media had renamed it Chi-Raq. I've spent years in Baghdad during the height of George Bush's war , so was surprised to hear here were many more streets shootings in Chicago than at any time in the Iraq War.

As my wife Hellen and I prepare to go back to Baghdad, where we will spend much of 2020, I have been reworking many of my drawings from 2003 into paintings. This is my way of psyching myself to return to where I made Soundtrack to War.


In 2020 Baghdad is coming apart with thousands of young
protestors occupying Tahrir Square while Government snipers
shoot at them and burn their camps. 

My exhibition 'On Being There' is at Newcastle Art Gallery and my Chicago Film is screening at Kotara, Event Cinemas.

While 2020 will be spent in Baghdad, February will be spent in Newcastle - a City I have loved since making my Heavy Industry works at BHP three decades ago.

This exhibition brings Iraq and Southside together in anticipation of what is to come. Re-starting in Baghdad". - George Gittoes 2020

MORE INFORMATION:

Newcastle Herald news article - February 6, 2020: https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/6617213/war-zone-artist-and-photographer-george-gittoes-is-making-newcastle-home-for-the-next-month/?src=rss&utm_email=f47c8e1277&utm_source=The+Newcastle+Herald&utm_campaign=eef25620d7-NEWSLETTER_WEEKENDER&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4465202af3-eef25620d7-66484041&fbclid=IwAR2LwMjJPXv6cEbC7etP3h3lFSPDkkiEKQy5nmyNmNPpub9pxVnv1OjZkC8

NBN news article - Newcastle Art Gallery - February 8, 2020: https://www.nbnnews.com.au/2020/02/08/a-glimpse-into-the-horror-of-war-at-newcastle-art-gallery/

Newcastle Herald article - February 20, 

https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/6637358/cooks-hill-offers-another-serving-of-george-gittoes/

View the trailer to 'White Light' George's latest film here; http://miff.com.au/program/film/white-light George and his wife Hellen will introduce the entire film at the Event Cinema, Kotara Westfield 6:30pm, February 11 and 25.

Please register your interest to preview the exhibition from Friday 14 February by calling Mark Widdup on 0418 492 259.

Gallery hours:

Monday: 11am - 5pm

Friday,Saturday: 11am - 5pm 

 

 

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FEB 2020 | GEORGE GITTOES | 'CHI-RAQ - PAINTINGS FROM CHICAGO, MIAMI AND IRAQ

FEBRUARY 10 | INSIGHTS 2018

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT BY MARK WIDDUP

Cooks Hill Galleries is delighted to bring you ‘Insights 2018'. This in gallery and online exhibition opens Saturday, 10 February 4 - 6pm.

February see's the release of our new year exhibiting program and this is an insight into what you can expect this year. This exhibition has an emphasis on diversity as well as an introduction to some of the artists we will exhibit more of! Overall, it is a showcase of all styles, mediums, subject matter, and price range, that make up our offering!

Exhibition continues until Monday 26 February 2018.

See you at the Gallery!

Yours in art,
Mark Widdup
CHG Director

 

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Willy Tjungurrayi Art

Gavin Fry | CHG Represented Artist

Gavin Fry is a writer and artist. Browse and shop art by Gavin Fry here. Gavin's style is expressionist incorporating vertical light planes and angles somewhat rendering a cubist influence with a 1970’s aura. Learn more about CHG represented artist Gavin Fry by reviewing his artist profile here.

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Gavin Fry Artist

GRAND RE-OPENING EXHIBITION MARCH 2023

Cooks Hill Galleries (CHG) invites you to our re-launch and first in-gallery exhibition for 2023; 15 represented artists celebrating our re-opening with most in attendance.

Doors open Saturday 25 March 5.30 - 8pm.

Official opening commences at 6.30pm

RSVP essential for catering please use this free ticket link here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/cooks-hill-gallery-grand-re-opening-tickets-579709555887

Experience an extensive makeover of the gallery; New internal design, surround decking from front courtyard to inner, Attic Room, Conference room- available for hire, representation of gallery rooms, food and catering facility to enhance future events and exhibition launches, 

Charles Blackman graphic preview

Browse and buy from the collection, enjoy a wine and canapés catch up with friends and meet our Represented Artists

If you are unable to attend the opening you can watch the event LIVE on our Facebook page at 6.30pm.

We look forward to welcoming you to the gallery.

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GRAND RE-OPENING EXHIBITION MARCH 2023

James Willebrant | CHG Represented Artist

Australian artist James Willebrant's style has been variously described as Surreal, Naïve, Pop-Art and even Existential. Browse and shop art by James Willebrant here. James' art career has spanned more than 36 years and over 70 exhibitions. Learn more about CHG represented artist James Willebrant by reviewing his artist profile here.

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James Willebrant Art

James Willebrant | July 2023

Artist Statement: With a fifty-year career behind me, I like all artists who’ve been
painting professionally that long, create a repertoire of favourite images and personal iconography which I have developed over time.

The imagery in this show draws on a rich fascination with the Eastern Seaboard and the classic Deco Beachside structures to be found there, not so much on pure landscape but also on the built environment...the intersection of the natural and the
Human ‘constructs’.

Since moving recently to The Hunter Valley Region, the influence of this area is of course more intimate as I am now able to observe my favourite subjects up close and personal...
The architecture of the Valley .....the Rural Sheds and the Urban Art Deco Architecture combined with the Coastal Bathing Pools and Pavilions are all observed now from a more intimate perspective than just that of the long-time Visitor.

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James Willebrant | July 2023

Jane Parkes | CHG Represented Artist

Jane Parkes is a naive contemporary artist from Newcastle. Browse and shop art by Jane Parkes here. Explore Jane’s world, where her imagination reigns creating places that vibrate love and kindness. Learn more about CHG represented artist Jane Parkes by reviewing her artist profile here.

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Jane Parkes Art

Janet Hoyer Cobb | CHG Represented Artist

Artist Janet Hoyer Cobb has developed a passion with art from an early age working in a broad range of media. Browse and shop art by Janet Hoyer Cobb here. Janet has gained recognition and awards in all media. Learn more about CHG represented artist Janet Hoyer Cobb by reviewing her artist profile here.

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Janet Hoyer Cobb Art

JANUARY 5 | THE SUMMER COLLECTION

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT BY MARK WIDDUP

Cooks Hill Galleries is delighted to bring you ‘The Summer Collection’. This is an online only exhibition and our first for 2018. Available to browse and shop on our website midday Friday 5 January 2018.

It’s about a 'catch up' for our clients and followers; a curated collection of art that’s representative of the galleries artists. Many of our followers are time poor and this is a time of year when they have the time to reflect on the past year and catch up on their art interests!

This online only exhibition has an emphasis on a diversity of art styles and subjects as well as an introduction to some of the artist we will exhibit in 2018 - to whet the appetite! Overall, it is a showcase of all styles, mediums, subject matter, and price range, that make up the diversity of what CHG has to offer. It’s also a soft opening for the new year.

The Cooks Hill Galleries officially recommences February 2, 2018. During our recess explore our Facebook and Instagram properties and the galleries website, where you’ll find some 2,000 artworks on display and available for purchase during this time. We look forward to welcoming you in the new year, our 2018 exhibition program will be available for viewing on our website shortly.

I am excited about 2018 with much of the planning and initiatives designed and implemented from last year now installed. It will culminate in CHG forging ahead into the changing art landscape that is upon us! In the meantime, enjoy ‘The Summer Collection’.

Yours in art,
Mark Widdup
CHG Director

View collection
James Willebrant Art

John Maitland | CHG Represented Artist

John Maitland is seen by some as being “one of Australia’s most exciting artists”. His skillfully executed oil and acrylic paintings are informed by figurative expressionism. Learn more about CHG represented artist John Maitland by reviewing his artist profile here.

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John Maitland Art

John Maitland | The joy of children | Sept 2021 | From the artist's studio

Artists statement: Does anything come nearer to the what the title describes than
the joy of children dancing, the fun frivolity freedom and
unabashed joy is the emotion I’ve sought to embody in this
delightful new series of works for Cooks Hill Galleries. - John Maitland

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John Maitland | The joy of children | Sept 2021 | From the artist's studio

JUL 2016 | EXPOSED GROUND FROM TRACEY MAREE SMITH

DIRECTORS STATEMENT

To discover an inner world within ourselves and our being is more than an observation for this artist. The subconscious and conscious mind is a driving force with Tracey on many levels. Her awareness/ desire for learning and hopefully discovery is a process within her art.

The revealing of what lies below is more than a fascination; maybe it’s an obsession. Physical body management is also a vital aspect for her as with the mind.
A spiritual person at heart has much to do with Tracey’s approach to art. The surface directs the viewer to one interpretation, however we know there is so much more beyond that plane. She seeks the spirituality of a place or landscape which transcends to her painting.

Colour or its subtle use is her intended approach. There is almost a reversal of its use and application. Consequently it is under played. There is strength of colour and tone but it is used spatially and texture is never too far away!

Discovery and the novelty thereof is as a result of a sanding back process Tracey has developed. We are often presented with gems within. Highlights of intense colour against a field of toned variation.

Tracey Smith is an artist who becomes immersed in her painting and the moment of development. The viewer and owners of her art receive a warmth almost a glow which is a feeling of emotion. This is Tracey at work with her art emitting an aura, mood and atmosphere.

Please follow this individual artist. She retains a spiritual light which we can all benefit from, a peace of mind is the culmination.

Yours in art,
Mark Widdup
CHG Director

DIGITAL EXHIBITION CATALOGUE

In addition to viewing the collection below you can BROWSE + SHOP the digital exhibition catalogue here.

View collection
Tracey Maree Smith Art

JULY 2022

Sometimes it is good to review our stockroom with an eye for recent and earlier dated paintings that exhibit a theme. In this months 'Directors selection' we focus upon the influence of impressionism.

This is no better observed with how the artist manipulates and captures light.

I hope you enjoy this email selection of art, all evocative of a feeling or atmosphere!

We have found an increase in interest and enquiry re commissioning an artwork, especially in recent years. Please consider this option if the artwork you require is of a specific size for your home or office. 

Should you need assistance in determining the correct scale or size please let us know and I will visit your residence to offer insight and advice?

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JULY 2022

JULY 21 | LAGOON SERIES FROM SUSAN SHERIDAN



Susan Sheridan Art
Evening Shadows at Leichardt Lagoon by Susan Sheridan

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT BY MARK WIDDUP

The experience of ‘being amongst it’ is not applicable to everyone, but for Susan, it is the essence!
This is the driver for an artwork’s development – the absorption into a natural environment, identifying with a location, and the translation of this to paper or canvas.
Observations over time, through camping out for days on end, will always reveal more of a place. It allows the capture of nuances, and as time progresses, the originally overlooked aspects of the environment, especially the disguised or camouflaged wildlife, is gradually discerned.

Sketching and watercolour painting on location, immersed within the landscape – ‘plein air’, captures a moment, and provides a reference for future studio work. Susan’s landscapes capture an ‘aura’ of reflection, light and texture, which all combine to fortify her impressionist style.

The subjects Susan paints is experienced by many every day, but Susan’s impressions are unique as she almost speaks to the landscape. She is drawn to a subject that resonates within her soul. Susan’s understanding of, and empathy for, the co-existence between wildlife and environment is ever-present.

When I look upon a Sheridan painting, I feel that she has captured the essence of a place. She shows us what she sees, but remains selective of what she chooses to share. Her landscapes achieve beauty in both simplicity and understatement.
I hope you enjoy this journey north through the eyes of a born observer, a naturalist, and a lover of Australian landscape.

Mark Widdup
CHG Director

2017

THE ARTIST

Susan Sheridan has always painted and has been a professional artist for almost forty years.

After leaving school in Sydney she enrolled in a design course at East Sydney Technical College (The National Art School). While studying design she added several classes of painting with Peter Laverty to her timetable. She continued with these art classes at night after completing design and also attended drawing classes at The Julian Ashton Art School.

Influenced by and working in the city Susan's earlier works reflected the exciting abstract quality of the structure of the cityscape. One of her earliest solo exhibitions was a series on the construction of Joern Utzon's Opera House - a sellout show. In the early seventies she travelled to the highlands of New Guinea and this resulted in an exciting exhibition of the awesome "Sing Sings" and the exotic rugged highland landscape.

However, it is her evocative depictions of Australia that tell the story of her travels throughout this land. In 1986 one of her watercolours was chosen to hang at the Mall Galleries in London with the Federation of British Artists.

As a member of The Australian Watercolour Institute she was represented in AWI exhibitions in Canada in 1992 and in Hong Kong in 1996.

In 1998 two major works were selected to hang in a sponsored exhibition title "Out of Australia - Australian Contemporary Paintings" in Shanghai. In 1999 and 2001, her exhibitions in Hong Kong proved to be successful. It is not therefore surprising that her paintings grace the walls of many homes, hotels, resorts, boardrooms, offices and institutions throughout the world.

INTRODUCTION BY DAVID VAN NUNEN

Throughout a formidable career spanning four decades, Susan Sheridan has been peripatetic in her pursuit of landscape subjects. For some years, a recurrent motif in her oeuvre has been the Australian hinterland, most recently her outback excursions in the grasslands and savannahs of the Gulf country from Northern Queensland to Cape York.

This exhibition, Lagoon Series, is the culmination of Sheridan’s experiences there, demonstrating the diapason of the artist’s painterly responses to nature in its myriad moods and moments, as well as her inventiveness as a picture-maker.

Sheridan brings a gimlet eye to her lyrical impressions of the landscape, capturing the fleeting effects of light and the rhythmic anatomy of the terrain, with a particular focus on the abundant variety of birdlife and the arabesque trajectory of their balletic movements.

Invariably, these evocative, atmospheric works emerge from the artist’s plein air practice of graphically recording her impressions in situ, the alla prima sketches serving as a mnemonic in the further development of images in her studio. As is the case with much landscape-inspired painting, these images are meditations on time. Yet, equally, they are an expression of the visual poetics of space and form. Some reveal themselves directly in the instant of viewing while others impart their multi-layered interpretative properties only gradually. Whether the tempo is allegro or andante, the musicality of Sheridan’s compositions engage the viewer and produce an enduring impact.

For more than 25 years, I have followed the evolution of Susan Sheridan’s work, most notably in my capacity as President of the Australian Watercolour Institute, of which she has distinguished herself as one of the most technically proficient, innovative and respected members since 1991. As a plein air landscape painter, I especially admire the reductive quality of Sheridan’s iconography, employing calligraphic lines and abstracted forms to convey a consummate picture of her experience of the Australian landscape.

Among Sheridan’s art awards are the 1984 Mosman Art Prize and the Margaret Fesq Memorial Art Prize. Moreover, she has been a finalist in the Wynne Prize at the Art Gallery Of New South Wales on seven occasions.

She is represented in public, corporate and private collections in Australia and overseas, including Manly Art Gallery, the University of New South Wales, the University of Newcastle, the Federal Airports Commission, and the Qantas collection. Her commissions include Hayman Island Resort, the Park Lane and Hilton Hotels, Sydney and the Ramada Hotel, Parramatta.

David van Nunen, President
Australian Watercolour Institute
2017

ARTIST STATEMENT

If possible, each year we like to hitch up our camper trailer to ‘go bush’ and explore the wild areas of Australia.

Last year our destination was the Gulf country of northern Queensland and then Cape York. Armed with sketch books and camera we set off. It takes a while to absorb new country with different trees, rocks and vegetation and soil colour always changing, and of course the wonderful bird life. I enjoy being quietly in the bush and sometimes some landscape really excites and I need to record it in my sketch book.

A stay at Leichhardt Lagoon had this effect! The flooded trees reflecting in the water, the many staccato lines and dots of water lilies and stick vegetation and of course the many birds from magpie geese with their chicks, egrets, brolgas, jacanas to name a few. Sunset was spectacular, but I really enjoyed the time just after this when this entire vista became silhouetted, wonderful for painting whether it be using canvas or paper.

Travelling on through dry country with termite mounds reflecting the local soil type we came across many small and larger lagoons with the lilac and white lilies, often like a surprise oasis, an amazing contrast to the surrounding land.

These paintings on show are the start of this journey using light, shapes and lines that travel across the canvas recording my feeling for many corners of these lagoons, some more intimate than others.

Susan Sheridan, 
2017

Susan Sheridan Art
"Lilly Pad Walker" by Susan Sheridan

 

 

REPRESENTED ARTIST PROFILE

Discover more about represented artist Susan Sheridan by reviewing his artist profile and major works here.

DIGITAL EXHIBITION CATALOGUE

The digital exhibition catalogue can be downloaded here.

View collection
Susan Sheridan Art

JUNE 15 | KEN STRONG | A NEW DAWN

Cooks Hill Galleries (CHG) presents Ken Strong ‘A New Dawn’. This online and in gallery exhibition opens Friday 15 June 6 - 8pm. Exhibition continues until Monday 25 June 2018. 

 

"Ken Strong has been painting Australian landscapes for over 20 years and is developing increased recognition both nationally and internationally. Ken's works are characterised by a bold application of paint, but also using a subtle approach to subject development. Works tend to be an impressionist style with subjects ranging from panoramic landscape to more intimate images combining the influence of man and his surroundings. Works often have a nonrepresentational feel with the key compositional element being a well structured use of colour an movement. Ken Strong’s works are currently held in numerous private and corporate collections in Australia, The United States of America and Canada following exhibitions held in these locations over the past 28 years." 

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Ken Strong Art

JUNE 2022

Building an aura, atmosphere, mood or emotion can apply to figurative, landscape or any subject matter for an original artwork.

We often respond to these effects within a composition with a response consciously or subconsciously, sometimes not being able to put an exact emotion yet we feel something within ourselves that provokes a reaction when viewing an artwork.

This response can vary such that the viewers reaction can range from being quite intense through to the subtle! As such it creates an emotion. This can lead to a desire, a wish, a need to be close or one of revulsion. All these feelings are brought to the surface creating a state of mind.

I often want a reaction to an artwork which engages me and my being. This is just one reason why I would be attracted to an artwork which may lead to a desire to purchase.

Don't we all seek an emotion with art, otherwise the individual artwork is not speaking to us? To be challenged by an artwork often will signify an interest or reaction to the composition! 

Please enjoy this curated selection of the galleries Represented artists paintings designed to display a mood and atmosphere for your enjoyment with a view to purchase.

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JUNE 2022

JUNE 29 | REBECCA PIERCE | GIVE ME A SPOON


Cooks Hill Galleries (CHG) presents Rebecca Pierce ‘Give me a Spoon’. 
This online and in gallery exhibition opens Friday 29 June 6 - 8pm. Exhibition continues until Monday 23 July 2018.

"Rebecca primarily works with paint, inks and fine points on canvas and paper. Her work initially with a design and finely detailed orientation harnesses these elements whilst exploring aspects of the natural and urban landscape. The interpretation of the human face and the reading of the landscape, effects of cyclical, emotional and climatic changes to ourselves and others responses to these are often drawn upon. The unpredictability of Rebecca’s subject, frequently rendered to create a third dimension, can often simultaneously create tension laced with elements of playfulness..."

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JUNE 29 | REBECCA PIERCE | GIVE ME A SPOON

JUNE 30 | WHAT LIES BENEATH FROM TRACEY-MAREE SMITH

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT BY MARK WIDDUP

One of the most important lessons as an emerging artist, is to learn resilience and persistence. Tracey-Maree Smith has them both!

Often artists must develop their signature style…Tracey has already discovered hers. She continues to develop and refine this style, loving the challenge. An admirable trait.

Tracey’s tactile painting technique involves a thorough planning stage. The future layering of paint must be anticipated, as work will be manipulated during the sand-back. The painting is slowly forged as she works in contemplative stages towards her finished surface and completed work.

In effect, the art is constructed, disassembled, and re-pieced to reveal many a hidden secret from layers past. This process reveals the true gems beneath. Areas of the painting seemingly launch themselves outwards, and the colours are wonderfully intense. These perceptible techniques are balanced by textures and space in her landscape subjects.

In Tracey’s recent work, abstract has given way to semi-abstract. Identifying a form or shape in her art recalls an element of the everyday, such as a tree, water or a recognisable vista.

Tracey is always conscious of the spatial composition in her landscape. Of especial note are the new warm pinks and tangerines in her palette, well balanced with her overall penchant for cooler pastel shades.

Tracey’s world conveys a softness in contrast to the harshness of the Australian landscape that initially inspires her. Is this her romanticism or rose-coloured glasses? She favours an almost undulating palette, her landscapes simply flow with no interruption in shape, form, or tone.

Tracey’s work suggests her compositions’ intensity and impact is growing.

The direction her work is heading is of keen interest to many.
Tracey is an active artist, ever-exploring and advancing.
Something tells me her art and career are about to explode!

THE ARTIST

Newcastle based contemporary artist Tracey-Maree Smith was recently selected as an Art Gallery NSW 2016 Wynne prize finalist for her work ‘First Creek, Redhead Beach’. The Wynne prize is one of Australia’s most prestigious art awards and awarded for Australia’s best landscape painting. In 2014 Tracey was included in the Saatchi Art 'Showdown'. Tracey has exhibited extensively, with her work hanging in public and private collections.

Tracey’s abstract contemporary works appeal to art collectors, whether it be those seeking a major showpiece for their home, office or an addition to an existing collection.

Tracey Maree Smith art
Kooragang by Tracey-Maree Smith

Tracey Maree Smith art
Tracey-Maree Smith at the Art Gallery of NSW appearing with her Wynne Prize finalist work

INTRODUCTION BY JODIE DUDDINGTON

Tracey-Maree Smith's work sits somewhere between solid rock and fluid water. Her manipulation of paint and canvas is hard and physical yet the expression of emotion in colour and line is ephemeral.

There is an attempt to portray our emotional reality and that which lies beneath—our raw, exposed humanity—the spectrum between despair and elation laid bare.
Our emotional landscape and the natural landscape, constantly in a state of flux, are intrinsically tied. They sit together on canvas, a momentary snapshot of our current state of being.

Tracey, like most artists, works in a studio that is sequestered from her home, her children, her redhead beach landscape. It is simply a shed, out the back, that you sneak up to from a narrow, plant encroached, side pathway. It seems peaceful and a suitable approach to what one might find in a movie, about an artist.

You might think that there would be easels and paint brushes, lovely images of inspiration stuck on the wall. but not in here. Here you are privy to big canvas, large tins of paint, smashes of paint on walls and floors (like you've stepped inside a Pollock) and discarded scatterings of industrial personal protective clothing, face masks, extension cords and her paint brush. An electric handheld sander.

This is where Tracey’s hard, industrial process becomes a blurred realisation of canvas as sculpture, and sculpture as canvas and the artists own physicality is inherent in the work. Her emotion and reaction to environment, as an extension of her physicality lies here too, beneath the paint, beneath the obvious. Look closer, and you'll see a universe behind the limitations of the frame.

Jodie Duddington - Interior Designer, 2017

ARTIST STATEMENT

What Lies Beneath’ is a metaphorical depiction of landscape, representing layers of history, hope, challenge and perseverance. I paint layer over convoluted layer, then begin to peel them back, leaving remnants and traces of what lay before.

I see this in my own life and my own need to peel back layers of protection or personality to find myself. This is an ongoing process and sometimes I find gems hidden beneath the surface and sometimes I still find aspects of myself that I want to cover up again.

I paint intuitively based on feelings, connection and emotion. My work has a soul of it’s own — I am merely a conduit for some greater creative force that needs to express itself.
This creative force is usually linked to my feelings about a certain time within certain landscapes.

I think that the one thing I can always remember about my life is the landscape I was in any particular time.
I don’t feel like a have any connection to a place but rather to landscape. I spent part of my childhood in Moree and Collarenebri, Narrabri and I feel this gave me a feeling of connectedness to the dry, sometimes arid, hot and expansive country. I don’t feel as though I own any part of the landscape but I am a part of her and it is probably where I feel most at home. I’d say it is where I feel truly connected to who I really am.

This quote from Tim Winton sums up my feelings perfectly: “ The place comes first and the people come second and in a sense that only reflects reality. This country was here long before people. It has a huge impact on people because it's bigger than us. There's more of it than us and there probably always will be and it's changed us. It's changed us beyond recognition from our origins.” - Tim Winton.

REPRESENTED ARTIST PROFILE

Discover more about represented artist Tracey-Maree Smith by reviewing his artist profile and major works here.

DIGITAL EXHIBITION CATALOGUE

The digital exhibition catalogue can be downloaded here.

View collection
Tracey Maree Smith art

Ken Johnson | CHG Represented Artist

Ken Johnson is a renowned Australian contemporary artist included in collections worldwide. Browse and shop art by Ken Johnson here. His distinctive paintings of the Australian coastal and outback landscapes are iconic. Learn more about CHG represented artist Ken Johnson by reviewing his artist profile here.

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Ken Johnson Art

KEN STRONG AND STEVE GLASSBOROW

EXHIBITION OPENS 8 SEPT 6PM - 2 OCTOBER.

Ken Strong - Ken interest in music has been longstanding and one can observe the rhythm within his brush stroke rendering an exemplification of both movement and flow. It is the balance of merging art and music within the landscape that the magic in this series of paintings surface!

Steve Glassborow - Steve’s figurative bronze sculptures often influenced by art deco, beauty and classical form has been the backbone of Steve's sculpture. He has become a master of the patination process, which exhibits the highest level of skill and textural effects on each bronze surface.

Linish is the finish name Steve chooses to qualify the silky bronze which is a new surface treatment not seen previously.

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KEN STRONG AND STEVE GLASSBOROW

Ken Strong | CHG Represented Artist

The Australian landscape has been artist Ken Strong's focus. Browse and shop art by Ken Strong here. Ken's works feature a bold application of paint, and an impressionist style, with compositions ranging from panoramic landscape to more intimate images. Learn more about CHG represented artist Ken Strong by reviewing his artist profile here

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Ken Strong art

KEN STRONG | TAKE A WALK IN A PARK | RECENT WORKS

Cooks Hill Galleries (CHG) presents Ken Strong; 

“Take a walk in a park” was an idea I had years ago and from this, partly formulated the poem. The poem however, was only completed more recently when the next phase of the story became clearer as I had experience more in life myself.

There is a naivety about it but the images that emerged over time were clear and provided a good basis for development of the series of paintings for this
exhibition. The works do not always specifically relate to the words of the poem but more the atmosphere that is generated by the poem.

'TAKE A WALK IN A PARK' 

Take a walk in a park
where the willows are mourning,
and the shade of the gums give a cool lazy feel,
where the children have ice creams,
and play ring-a-rosy,
their movements in time with the way that they feel.

Take a walk by a river,
covered in lilies,
see soft breezes shadow the long grassy banks,
where lovers in boats drift in silence beside while
they blend in the touch of their eyes in your mind.

Take a walk in a park where the willows lament,
the children have gone with the passing of time.
The river is silent, the lilies have blossomed, the boats are moored quietly and the lovers are gone.

But now in the future the willows still mourning with the shade of the gums seeming somewhat
unreal,
but the carousel is turning and the children embellish the cycle of turmoil of turning of wheels.
But in this slow moving, the turmoil is settling with a peace and a stable of calming combine, and
the children are soon back, no longer have ice-creams, only lilies and boats and lovers in mind.

 

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KEN STRONG | TAKE A WALK IN A PARK | RECENT WORKS

MAITLAND | STRONG | GLASSBOROW | GROUP EXHIBITION

These artists were scheduled to have solo exhibitions earlier in the year and to celebrate the end of lockdown 2021 we've decided to re-open with a group exhibition, this will be our 2nd last exhibition for the year.

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MAITLAND | STRONG | GLASSBOROW | GROUP EXHIBITION

MARCH 2022

Three of our Represented artists, exhibit an understanding and love of the water with it's many moods, emotions, movement and reflections.

A professional artist reads the subtlety and play of water be it still, moving, crashing all being affected by currents, wind and tides. 

The tone or contrast of light, its gradation, harshness and impact is captured by this group of artists each expressing their own finesse when working with the water theme.

Please review this curated selection of paintings which exhibit the varying artist styles.

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MARCH 2022

MARCH 30 | DOROTHEE HEIBEL | EASTER COLLECTION

Cooks Hill Galleries presents 'The Easter Collectionn' from Dorothee Heibel. This online exhibition opens Thursday, 29 March at noon.

"I am endlessly fascinated by the bond two human beings can have, especially when they have a shared passion, it doesn’t matter if it is for flowers, food or feathers!
I like the challenge of taking two Lovers and joining them together almost into one being. There can be many obstacles and hiccups along the way, of course, as in any relationship but painting for me is play and pleasure and I find it is often the “mistakes”, the unpredictable drips and drops, the unexpected redirection of lines that end up taking my work to the place it was meant to go all along." - Dorothee Heibel.

Exhibition continues until Thursday 5 April 2018.

"Dorothée's dynamic, colourful paintings are distinguished by her graphic use of black linework which is created using a cotton tip, rather than a brush. Her works will take form in her mind for days, weeks and sometimes even years before being produced in an explosive matter of hours." - Mark Widdup.

 

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Dorothee Heibel art

Mark Middleton & Bryan Bulley | June 30, 2023

2 New represented gallery artists co-exhibit opening June 30, 2023.

Mark Middleton - 'Historical events captured, a glimpse in time'

Bryan Bulley - 'Naîve seascapes and landscapes'

This online and in gallery exhibition continues through to 8th July.

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Mark Middleton & Bryan Bulley | June 30, 2023

MAY 2021 | PHIL STALLARD | SIGNALS

Cooks Hill Galleries (CHG) presents Phil Stallard ‘Signals'. Exhibition opens Friday 7th May,  6 - 8pm. Exhibition continues until Monday 24th May 2021. Preview by appointment.

The official opening and artist talk followed by music event to commence at 6.40pm. 

Artist Statement: In this series of abstract paintings, I am picking up on “signals”.  The landscape emits signals, the connection that I have with certain places that I love are transmitting to me. Like the background radiation of the big bang, I am focussing on this “noise”.
Over the years I have developed my own iconography, since I moved my studio to the Macdonald River (near Wiseman's Ferry) I have felt an increasing feeling of losing myself amongst the landscape. It is through the act of painting that the iconography emerges.
Driving to the studio from Sydney I am dissolving , I’m a loose collection of atoms, the icons and symbols become a visual language in the water of colour. I suppose these ideas resemble quantum physics, my painting merely is an existential tool in defining who I am, I am honing in on the signals connecting me to the earth.

Phil Stallard 

Click on images to enlarge and view catalogue details.

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MAY 2021  | PHIL STALLARD | SIGNALS

MAY 2022

The figure in a landscape attracts the viewers eye offering a focal point and perspective for scale for the paintings composition. At the same time it offers the 'human element' transforming a scene or setting.

The figure or portrait  demands tactical rigour and experience to understand the anatomy, a pose, an expression thereby offering a feeling, empathy or understanding of the form.

We cannot presume a landscape all painters possesses the same skill base or comfort with a figurative subject. The figure or capturing a likeness can often tell a story engaging the humanness, character or mannerism. A figure in landscape gives a context to a composition it also can enhance or detract from the composition overall. A professional artist will of course strive to achieve the former. The expressionist approach of capturing the figure could be another avenue artist seek in their endeavour to draw out the form or simply make it appear as an individual or part of the overall composition. 

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MAY 2022

MAY 26 2017 | LIFTING THE DARKNESS - THE EMERGENCE OF LIGHT FROM KEN STRONG

DIRECTOR'S NOTES

An advocate of the Australian impressionist school, Ken has focused upon a bolder palette to explore the landscape as he sees it! He accentuates the contrasts of tone and channels the viewer to a focal point just above the mid-level of the painting.
He strives to emphasize the seasons of colour and light in the landscape and often the foreground structure is less favoured; the big picture for him is the focal point.
Another primary aim for Strong is movement! Be it an appearance of wind in amongst trees and grasses of the land or over water, currents ebb and flow, often introduced by a dramatic effect upon the water surface itself!

Ken often seeks out the landscape that is a quite place! A sheltered bay or mooring, a back paddock, a small bush clearing. It is not uncommon that he humanizes the landscape. He seems to illustrate to us there can be a balance between human intervention and the landscape.

Ken has carried out numerous art workshops/schools, and included in many art publications resulting in extensive accolades. His teaching skills have been admired. Hard work and diligence are obvious traits that Ken possesses combined with the passion he incorporates into his art.

 

THE ARTIST

Ken Strong has been painting Australian landscapes for over 20 years and is developing increased recognition both Nationally and Internationally for his work. His works are characterised by a bold application of paint, but also using a subtle approach to subject development in many cases.

Exhibitions have been the primary outlet for his works since the first solo exhibition in 1988 in Kendall, NSW, Australia. A legacy of these exhibitions has been a significant number of commissions through private galleries. A continuous presence of work is maintained in several galleries. International exposure in recent years has proven extremely successful with promotional work continuing in the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Ken Strong ArtistKen Strong in the studio

ARTIST STATEMENT

We take light in the landscape for granted!

We are surrounded by a formulation of shapes and shadows and movement that create our landscape, but it is light that gives it definition. Light not only enhances the subject in a composition, but in reality, light can become the subject being the main source of attraction and in many situations, the source of life within the work. The life can be subtle or vibrant depending on the mood created. A cool glow in a dark night or a splash of vivid gold in a punishing summer. Different uses of light and certainly different results.

The concept of "emerging light" is the focus of this exhibition. Emergence implies something hidden, yet entering or escaping into the view, illuminating the surrounds as it grows in intensity.

The effect of light can be further explored when the landscape is combined with water. There is a whole realm of opportunity to explore different affects, water encourages the freedom in the expressive use of light. Much of this exhibition revolves around water and the landscape. The reflective quality, the intensity of depth and darkness in water can be used to great advantage in creating interest in the composition.
I have a great respect for the influence that light has in creating a mood within a work. The more I explore composition, the more I realise the importance and the versatility of playing with the effect of light - it is all about light!

Ken Strong, 2017.

 

COLLECTION REPRESENTATION

Ken Strong’s works are currently held in numerous private and corporate collections in Australia, The United States of America and Canada following exhibitions held in these locations over the past 28 years. Further commissions have resulted from these exhibitions.

A substantial quantity of works completed on subjects from locations in the United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Italy, have been featured in exhibitions in Australia and overseas. As well as Australian subjects there has been a particular focus on Cornwall, Northern Scotland, Amsterdam, Tuscany and Venice which have been featured in these exhibitions.

A series of works based on American institutions including the Whitehouse, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson memorial, the Washington Monument are currently hanging in major corporate institutions in Washington DC.

Ken Strong ArtistKen Strong touching up at Cooks Hill Galleries

 

REPRESENTED ARTIST PROFILE

Discover more about represented artist Ken Strong by reviewing his artist profile and major works here.


DIGITAL EXHIBITION CATALOGUE

The digital exhibition catalogue can be downloaded here.

 

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Ken Strong Art

MAY 26 | INDIGENOUS EXHIBITION

Cooks Hill Galleries (CHG) presents our "INDIGENOUS COLLECTION". This online and in gallery exhibition opens MAY 26, 6 - 8pm. Continues until June 19. 

VIP preview for CHG clients available. Please telephone or text 0418 492 259 to arrange.

See you at the Gallery!

Yours in art,

Mark Widdup

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MAY 26 | INDIGENOUS EXHIBITION

MICHAEL BLACK & CHERYL BARRETT | A FOCUS ON LANDSCAPE

We are proud to launch two of the galleries newest 'Represented Artist' in an exhibition titled 'A focus on landscape'  The challenges for an emerging artists are many and varied and it shows great confidence to prepare a collection of paintings to present to the art market. We welcome them to the Australian art market, to the galleries stable of artists and wish them well with their leap in faith. From a art buyers perspective it is exciting to discover artists with a unique art style and the acknowledgement should you buy their art it provides the encouragement for the painters to continue their goal to paint for years to come! .Please join us and welcome them at the exhibition opening Reserve your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/michael-black-cheryl-barrett-a-focus-on-landscapes-exhibition-opening-tickets-696397211807?aff=oddtdtcreator On the evening: Official opening and artist talk is at 6.40pm; browse and buy from the collection, enjoy a wine, catch up with friends and meet the artist. Facebook Live Event: If you are unable to attend the opening you can watch the event LIVE on our Facebook page at 6.40pm and view the collection on our website. VIP Preview for CHG clients is available. Please telephone or text 0418 492 259 to arrange.

 

ARTIST'S STATEMENT: 

‘Collective colour’ by Cheryl Black

Explores valleys often drawn from compositions and inspiration of  mountain ranges and valleys within the Hunter Valley.

The stylised intense colour now a trade mark for the artist is the constant however Cheryl has explored pathways, close foregrounds contrasted by the perspective of a distant mountain ridges or a detail of flowers blooming amongst a blanket of vibrant colour ...... almost vibrating!

 

Abstracted nature’ by Michael Black

This collection of landscape paintings reference the lower Blue Mountain National Parks in NSW. Heading into nature with my sketchbook, walking, sitting and observing, sketching what is outstanding, be it an interesting colour combination or composition. I try to capture the found scene with oil pastels. Then I return to the studio to start the painting process, using my sketches as a guide for the forms and colour compositions. 

 

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Cheryl Barrett

NBN TV Art Collection exhibition

All artworks to be sold with proceeds going to charity; John Hunter Children’s Hospital, Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Got Your Back Sista.

Exhibition launch 28 & 29 May, 11am - 5pm

Continues to 28 June 2021, gallery hours Fri, Sat, Mon 11am - 6pm or by appointment

Cooks Hill Galleries, the premier Newcastle and Hunter Valley art gallery on May 28th, has been assigned to sell the collection of 18 paintings, of local and  National recognised artist.
NBN Television was established some 50 years ago and thrives today under the Channel Nine banner moves to new premises from Mosbri Crescent to Honeysuckle in June this year.
It is envisaged the sale attracting a huge interest; followers, past employees both on air personalities and studio staff amongst decades and generations calling NBN TV their own are anticipated to attend the exhibition.

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NBN TV Art Collection exhibition

NEARING END OF YEAR EXHIBITON | NOVEMBER 2020

Cooks Hill Galleries (CHG) presents CHG Artists. Participating CHG artists include Bathgate, Fry, Glassborow, Maitland, McMahon, Perceval, Rowland, Sheridan, Smith, Stallard, Strong, Taylor, Weaver, & Willebrant. This online and in gallery exhibition opens Saturday 14 November and continues to Monday 30 November.

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NEARING END OF YEAR EXHIBITON | NOVEMBER 2020

Neil Taylor | CHG Represented Artist

Australian artist Neil Taylor has held almost 40 exhibitions in Australia, Asia, U.S.A.and the UK. Browse and shop art by Neil Taylor here. Taylor is represented in State collections as well as in a long list of major public and private corporations and private collections. Learn more about CHG represented artist Neil Taylor by reviewing his artist profile here.

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Neil Taylor Art

NEW YEAR PRE-LOVED ART COLLECTION

This is an online only exhibition - available to browse and shop on our website.

A CURATED COLLECTION OF RE-SALE PAINTINGS HELD IN STOCK AT THE GALLERY. MANY OF OUR FOLLOWERS ARE TIME POOR AND THIS IS A TIME OF YEAR WHEN THEY HAVE THE TIME TO REFLECT ON THE PAST YEAR AND CATCH UP ON THEIR ART INTERESTS!

During the holiday recess explore our Facebook and Instagram and the galleries website, where you’ll find over 2,200 artworks on display and available for purchase. 

Yours in art,
Mark Widdup
CHG Director

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NEW YEAR PRE-LOVED ART COLLECTION

Nick Osmond | CHG Represented Artist

Nick Osmond is a popular abstract Australian painter from Moree. Browse and shop art by Nick Osmond here. Often influenced by Sidney Nolan or Adam Cullen, Nick's art is a breath of fresh air. Learn more about CHG represented artist Nick Osmond by reviewing his artist profile here.

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Nick Osmond Art

NOV 2016 | PURELY VISUAL + TRADING PLACES FROM JAMES KEARNS & NICK OSMOND

INTRODUCTION

Cooks Hill Galleries (CHG) present a joint exhibition from two of Australia's contemporary artists. Inspired by the Australian bush James Kearns interprets and presents the rural landscape and animals. Nick Osmond the human characters.
James Kearns has established himself as a regarded and successful artist. Inspired by Ben Quilty who played a pivotal role as his mentor early on in his career. This is James' second exhibition with CHG, his first was a near sell out.
Nick Osmond is an undeveloped artist who has a cult following, particular capturing the heart of a famed celebrity!

This CHG in gallery and online this exhibition is vibrant, diverse and speaks to one's soul.

DIRECTOR'S NOTE

Much is spoken, heard and observed when talking of the 'bush'. Its isolation, hardship and challenges but there is no lack of enthusiasm, evident when you see these artists absorbed with their art and driven to a truly sublime place with their medium and composition.

Kearns and Osmond are such that they are reliant on their art on many levels! Emotionally, a driving passion, solace or would we say an escape? Once there the magic begins!

James Kearns continues to explore more the animals than portraits with this exhibition. The paint application and the effects achieved give the artwork more energy and excitement and he understands the importance of space surrounding a focal point! He lives and loves the country, as such he expects much from it, it is all encompassing. Whilst growing up in the city his relationship with the bush is where his comfort lies. One day he takes me about 50 kms out of town to one of his favoured painting areas; defining what the country means to him! No doubt one of the few places he gains an awareness of his person! His observation of trees, river banks, colours, textures, birds, animals, sky, water and the earth itself all speak to him, driving him to paint. It's more than a recording of these experiences I see, but a raw emotion being the fire within his paintings.

Nick is powered with enthusiasm and a joy for life. On first meeting, albeit so brief, his passion flowed. I felt he had a vision, untamed and ready to explore the opportunities art was going to present to him.

An obvious 'people person' his art influence revolves around the figure and so often their character is revealed. Much of the stimulus for his subject matter is historical reference, old photos, a reading of history and a fascination for 'recognised' people and their personalities. He is keen to extract just the essence and presents it in a unique abstract.

Nick has a fascination with Sidney Nolan, arguably our most famous Australian figure painter, who later became internationally recognised Australian artist. He also captures the 'character'. However, for me it's Nick's application of paint colour that adds to the energy within his figure painting.

His art is a breath of fresh air, often involving an innocence, whimsy and energy that is easy to identify with on one level. Like some of Nolan's art it possesses an understatement however with more colour and a subjective twist. There is an 'X factor' that attracts! Will he get to the heights of Nolan? Probably not but Nick has an innocence and naïve element in his art that draws upon sentimentality which is both attractive and immediately identifiable. I believe he could go close! Watch his career as there will be some 'gems' in the years to come! I think there could be an 'Archibald' in the waiting.

Exhibition continues to Monday 28 November 2016.

Yours in art,
Mark Widdup
CHG Director

Nick Osmond Art
Man Wearing Ned's Aura by Nick Osmond

THE ARTISTS

JAMES KEARNS:
James Kearns was born and educated in Sydney, Australia and currently lives and paints in Moree, NSW.
After working in leading design and advertising agencies, James took up art full-time in 2010.

"My paintings are a visual documentation of my life’s experiences, explorations and influences. My art combines these fundamentals with personal attributes such as intuition and emotions.
I begin a piece either with a landscape to support a composition or spontaneously which becomes more detailed as the composition starts to show itself. The process involves layering. The first layers are the most erratic and may combine a variety of mixed media.
Though my brush strokes and use of elements may seem by chance, they’re often mechanical and well calculated decisions. My composition makes full use of space, appearing to be arranged in an ornamental net.
I notice different characters and forms during the process, which I then nurture and allow to develop almost at their own will."

NICK OSMOND:
In the wake of two severe injuries, Nick Osmond began painting two years ago in his weatherboard cottage by the Broadwater Creek, on the outskirts of Moree in north-west NSW.
Describing himself as a gardener who paints, Nicks home is now overgrown with plant life and portraiture. In the studio, he regularly enjoys the company of his twelve-year-old daughter Sophie.

"I love to paint PEOPLE! Either as portraits or in a loose narrative style. My painting style is semi abstract, moving some times to realism. Often influenced by Sidney Nolan and Adam Cullen, I’m also inspired by Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Goya. Painting in a loose naïve style works well given the indistinctive way I paint. I require a very firm image, visualisation or photographic record to commence an artwork, yet believe most of the final image comes from the following artistic process and development."

DIGITAL EXHIBITION CATALOGUE

In addition to viewing the collection below you can BROWSE + SHOP the digital exhibition catalogue here.

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James Kearns Art

NOVEMBER 17 | JOHN MAITLAND | DRAWING THE LINE

ARTIST STATEMENT - JOHN MAITLAND

From a technical perspective, line has always been an important element in my work. Line, not only delineates parts, or all, of figures and landscape, but are a pivotal part of the composition itself, etching an emotional track through the painting. Delineating between good works and genius.

I use black line in conjunction with the natural movement of the hand, like a sensor of my own emotions. In more recent works I use both black and white lines to incorporate borders around the perimeters and bring the work together. This exhibition showcases an acknowledgment of what have become personal motifs of how I express myself. In past exhibitions the ballerinas are rarely depicted dancing. My interest is in capturing the apprehension before the performance itself, or quite simply, the elation or sheer exhaustion experienced after a performance. The kite, mother and child, girl and horse, the cricketers, all celebrate innocence, exuberance, freedom, and emotion. My imagination is continually given food for thought via my 10 grandchildren. There is never a dull moment and this exhibition showcases many of these moments combined with my imagination.

I’m often asked by others, where do I get the inspiration to paint? or " why do you paint what you do". Hopefully the following will provide an insight into the execution of my works.

I have said many times I don’t paint photographic images. I paint from my memory. I attempt to capture moments, feelings, emotions and experience. My work is a tapestry of everything I’ve seen and experienced up to this moment. Indeed, to borrow the quote, ‘history tells us art is not a mirror to reflect life but a hammer with which to shape it’! That's the way I prefer to work.

Things don't have to be dramatic or extraordinary to inspire. Warhol’s work is a prime example how painting the everyday mundane object can produce a masterpiece. Common place for myself is a mother embracing her child, we see it all the time, however capturing the moment with colour and being able to imbue a painting with the same depth of emotion as the actual moment… this is walking the line for me. It’s the fine balancing act of creating a nice picture or creating a work of genius.

My 1998 painting ‘Nothing Could Come Between Her and A Child In Need,’ is a brilliant example of how everyday events inspire me. I had read two books on the life of Mary MacKillop. I was waiting for inspiration to produce a work that did justice to all I knew about her, the board was sitting on the easel constantly undergoing changes. Whilst collecting my children from school one afternoon, students and teachers were looking up to the top of one of the school buildings. A young boy was on a second floor window ledge, extremely upset and refusing to come in to safety...and then a teacher leaned out the window and gave him a great big hug. I still clearly remember the look on the child’s face.

I worked all night long to ensure I held the memory of that moment, attempting to capture the depth of caring and the unspeakable bond I had witnessed. I strive to produce work which triggers memories and evokes emotion that viewers can identify with. In this instance, the incredible emotion of receiving a hug from a child. That’s when I feel my job is done.

Flying back into Australia from the U.K is one of my perennial sources of inspiration. I travel there often and never come back without marvelling at the size of the place, the fact that you hit Western Australia and still have seven hours of flying to go, amazes me every time. I am ready to start painting when I look down and feel the hum emanating from the land.

Years ago, I managed a team for a multi-national company throughout Queensland. It was pivotal in my art career. Having the unique opportunity to view much of this vast State from the flight deck of a Hercules aircraft whilst affording me the privilege of speaking and working with local Indigenous people was such an inspiration and so completely new for me. It has left an indelible impression on me which shines through in my paintings. For example, the Burdekin Dam in drought. The landscape throws gold everywhere with a thin slash of azure blue the only thing feeding the dam. Such an incredible view from the booming Hercules above.

Space and colour from all of these pivotal moments influence my work to this day. Drawing the line is an exhibition of technicality, merged with ingenuity, meets me!

- John Maitland, 2017.

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT - MARK WIDDUP

Just had another fight with bubble plastic, vigorous sticky tape and John Maitland’s individualist style of wrapping his artwork re his forthcoming November exhibition at CHG!

The figurative subject matter of his compositions possesses sentiment nostalgia and sensitivity! John is enveloped with expressionism! Yet on one hand there is a rawness about his paint surface which I’m sure stems back from his time travelling in the rural outback of Queensland. He captures a spontaneous landscape emphasizing texture set against the femininity of most of his figurative subjects. It appears the females tame the landscape in a Maitland landscape!

If he enters the male dominion, sports seem to prevail notably with the paintings of the’ boxer’, ‘cricketers’ they really contrast against the femininity of other artworks.

John is a strong family man with much of the inspiration for his painting revealed via his memories of his own children and grandchildren. It is the ‘unsaid’ about the figure in his art that attracts me to his compositions! Understatement, implied thought or discussion, and a comradery with a common purpose. e.g. walking as a family group, flower picking to name a couple. My response is always two fold to his art:
(a) How does John capture the body language with such a simplicity, so convincingly?
(b) He takes the viewer to a place, maybe a nostalgic place that perhaps they have not visited for years. There is a sense of time stopped! This all culminates in warmth when you view a Maitland painting. Some maybe simple define that is to find love!

Maitland’s art has strong appeal both nationally and overseas in the UK and Europe. I believe he sees humanity in us all and offers hope. His art can be understood and are comfortable living with no matter what other things are going around in our lives!

ARTIST PROFILE - JOHN MAITLAND

To learn more about John Maitland explore his artist profile here on our website.

DIGITAL EXHIBITION CATALOGUE

The digital exhibition catalogue containing exhibition introduction, artist statement and CHG Director's statement can be viewed here.

 

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John Maitland Art

NOVEMBER 2019 | PHIL STALLARD | "BIRDLAND"

Cooks Hill Galleries (CHG) presents Phil Stallard ‘Birdland'. Exhibition opens Friday 8 November 6 - 8pm. Exhibition continues until Monday 25 November 2019. Preview by appointment.

The official opening and artist talk followed by music event to commence at 6.40pm. 

Phil will be performing music he has composed accompanied by producer John Cobbin (aka Bestie Boys) and Midnight Oil.

 

Phil Stallard performing live

 

The paintings are evocative and serene, the sounds mingle with the paint, there are the memories of the suburb intermingled with memories of mornings down on the Parramatta River.

“I start with a memory of the river and start overpainting until the literal references disappear, I repeat gestures repeatedly until the work is truly abstract and balanced, I feel like Monet in the suburbs”
The title of the show 'Birdland' is a pun on the legendary New York Jazz club where Charlie Parker used to play. 
- Phil Stallard

Yours in art,

Mark Widdup

CHG Director

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NOVEMBER 2019 | PHIL STALLARD | "BIRDLAND"

NOVEMBER 23 | PHIL CLARKE | BEYOND REALISM

ABOUT THE ARTIST - PHIL CLARKE

Phil Clarke was born in 1953 in Sydney and studied art at the National Art School from 1975 to 1978. He then lived in Europe for 10 years, most often in Cadaques, northeast Spain, where he met Salvador Dali, whom he visited and observed at work for three years from 1979 to 1982. Clarke first visited Hong Kong in 1985 and had five one-man shows here before returning to Sydney in 1996. He has also had 20 solo exhibitions in Sydney, Cadaques, Amsterdam, Tokyo, Paris, Barcelona, Los Angeles, and Marseilles.

He was an Archibald Finalist in 1980 with a Portrait of Barrister, Clive Evatt. A picture of this painting was featured in The Sydney Morning Herald. The Clive Evatt Portrait was also pictured in The National Times and described by Neil Moore as ‘Ambitious and appropriately hermetic’.

Australian artist Phil Clarke uses Surrealism, Pop Art and Media Images to portray Modern Life. He combines Nature And Technology in a Poetic Vision which explores themes of Environmental Challenge, Coral Bleaching, Endangered Species, Social Justice, Loss Of Habitat, Renewable Energy and Common Sense.

Phil Clarke art
Across the Universe by Phil Clarke

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT - MARK WIDDUP

I have renewed my working relationship with Phil Clarke as his Australian art dealer in recent years since his return from overseas. However, it was not since the 1980’s that I have had his last exhibition at CHG in Newcastle. There was more landscape seascape content in those days pre-the Salvador Dali influence consumed him.

Phil always lived by and with a lifestyle; sometimes enviable, sometimes I wondered how he did it or kept up a social schedule and painted.

He is a thinker? Involving his mind and consciousness with world affairs, politics, the environment, appalling corporate and government judgements and applies a moderate amount of common sense to his observations.

From that foundation he develops his art and compositions that send us a message! It is open to the viewer to enjoy the artwork as Phil says however the thought process behind each painting reveals so much more!

The paint surface is rarely textured however it gives the effect of layers beneath, a veneer like effect. Sometimes even a ghostliness quality is evident! The technique is perfect to convey his messages, an illusion a reflection upon an illusion!

Phil has developed an international reputation, not like other contemporary Australian artist living overseas have done! i.e. to filter work back to Australia to keep their profile alive, e.g. Jeffrey Smart, Sidney Nolan and Arthur Boyd.
He firstly developed a friendship with the famous Spanish artist Salvatore Dali and immersed himself into the surrealism movement. No wonder the influence was consuming, living painting and socializing with Dali would have been a privilege. What an experience!

Back to back was another overseas experience where he engaged with the locals, this time in Hong Kong where the exposure to business, commerce and the social networks of Hong Kong gave him the entre to another world, few artists would have had. Hong Kong gave him an acceptance to the Asian market! We believe that will further translate to the Australian Asian’s community, who will recognize the international surrealistic style that appealed to the Hong Kong residents when Clarke was accepted into their society.

Phil now plans to develop his neglected Australian art profile with this back to Sydney exhibition.
He welcomes old friends and acquaintances to re-establish contact and hits the Australian art market as the maverick he has always been.

Mark Widdup
November 2017

DIGITAL EXHIBITION CATALOGUE

The digital exhibition catalogue containing exhibition introduction, artist statement and CHG Director's statement can be viewed here.

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Phil Clarke Art

NOVEMBER 30 | ROD BATHGATE 'THE GOLDEN MILE'

Cooks Hill Galleries (CHG) presents Rod Bathgate ‘The Golden Mile'. This online and in gallery exhibition opens Friday 30 November 6 - 8pm. Exhibition continues until Monday 17 December 2018.

"I have seen many ‘pastel artists’ both in Australia and in my travels and it is my opinion Rod Bathgate is outstanding! I believe he has an insight where he has developed a “feel”- being totally comfortable working with the pastel medium in a unique fashion!" - Mark Widdup.

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Rod Bathgate Art

OCT 2023 | ANDREW BENNETT | SURREALIST PAINTER

Bennett's surrealism style engages! It challenges our sensors and makes us think about the artists compositions. Could it be true or right? are immediate thoughts. After a second look one begins to marvel at the design, considered thought of pitting an object/s, a figure out of context, within a landscape or seascape. Andrew has a professional eye for colour and I am always impressed with his richness of colour and tone.

NB: When you visit the gallery please go to our inner courtyard to view the Bennett mural? .....  Nothing like seeing 'Positano' village in Italy in Cooks Hill.

So please come and see this exhibition launching on October 6 between 6-8pm, official opening and artist talk 6:40pm

The exhibition continues until October 28 within Gallery Hrs: Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat: 10-5pm or by appointment 

 View all Andrew's profile here.

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Andrew Bennett | When the moss settle

OCTOBER 20 | BRUCE ROWLAND | THE EUROPEAN TRADITION

ARTIST STATEMENT - BRUCE ROWLAND

The work for this exhibition is based on experiences and knowledge gained from touring some of the great galleries of Europe and the U.K.
When you enter a major gallery for the first time, often you are aware of some of the iconic works which are on display. More often than not you are surprised by the scale and the artistic brilliance of the work but also you discover gems of work of which you are unaware. You don’t stop and look at every work on display but rather move around looking for paintings that draw your attention. Often, I’ll have a camera where allowed or alternatively the trusty sketch/note book to record paintings which have appealed to me.
Back in the studio ideas for subject matter and composition are then transformed into my own variation or concept derived from these experiences.
My student training followed the traditional form of study which was based on the British and European Art Schools of the early 20th Century hence the association with “European Tradition”.

- Bruce Rowland, 2017.

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT - MARK WIDDUP

In a time when one’s drawing ability or the studying of art history and tradition are not appreciated, and in a time when attention to detail, and repetitive practice for betterment are less valued, Bruce Rowland remains a constant. Rowland continues to develop artwork from the ground up and refers to the great masters of European art for inspiration.

The thoroughness of Rowland’s art training combined with his methodology, stood in fine stead as an art teacher over many years at the Newcastle, NSW, TAFE. Throughout this time, he retained an active personal art practice, with frequent exhibitions hosted by CHG.

Referred to as a ‘master’ in his own right, this is witnessed in the completeness of his ‘across the board’ art skills. Rowland is a fine drawer on multiple mediums; paper with pens, ink, ‘conté’ crayons, pastels, charcoal, and pencil. He also employs oil paints. As a puppeteer, he designs, constructs and choreographs puppet theatre. Additionally, Bruce is also a keen etcher, continues to study art, and is involved in music, choir and theatre himself. Rarely do we see such an all-encompassing commitment to the arts in this modern age!

Rowland’s work for this exhibition ‘The European Tradition’ is: figure and the nude, and still life. His craftsmanship is evident in the richness of colour, best exhibited in his fruit, cheese, and still life examples. Conversely, a subtlety of colour is revealed in the nudes, with tonal qualities showcased in the skin, where the shadowing is sublime. Bruce Rowland shows a remarkable confidence of the stroke, each brush mark applied with purpose, incorporating light in a fascinating way.
There is an incredible energy in this series of realist paintings that is of the highest quality. 
Please join us to see this collection.

To hear Rowland speak about his mastery, be sure to note these dates to experience an artist talk with Bruce at the Gallery:

+ Sunday 22nd October. 2:30pm
A Talk on ‘Late 19th and early 20th Century U.K. Figurative art’ and ‘European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM), Barcelona, Spain- Figurative art’

+ Saturday 28th October. 2:30pm
‘Puppeteering. The Art of the Marionette’ 
Talk and Demonstration by master puppeteer Bruce Rowland

Please register your interest to attend via e-mail: mail@cookshillgalleries.com.au 
and/or register on the CHG Facebook events page.

- Mark Widdup
CHG Director

ARTIST PROFILE - BRUCE ROWLAND

Bruce Rowland is the master; with hundreds of apprentices or past students paying tribute to his dedication to the arts and teaching over decades. They emphasize his unique abilities to communicate and instruct and acknowledge the depth of his art knowledge!

This could be no better be expressed than with quotes from Rowland’s past students writing thoughts of gratitude; ‘Thank you for taking us to the Renaissance and back” and a more recent past student dating back to Bruce’s teaching days of the 1970’s “Thank you, I owe you a debt of gratitude for what you have taught me”.
As to his own art, Bruce says it’s a continuous art of learning. His desire for art education is lifelong and never tiring.
Rowland has been the recipient of numerous awards, dating back to 1972. Most recently he was selected as a finalist in the 2017 Manning Art Prize and the 2017 Gosford Art Prize. His work is held in numerous private and corporate collections globally. 

 

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Bruce Rowland Art

OCTOBER 26 | CHG REP. ARTISTS & GUEST - MANDY BELL

 
Cooks Hill Galleries (CHG) presents CHG Artists & Guest - Mandy Bell. Participating CHG artists include Bathgate, Earle, Fry, Glassborow, Kenning, Maitland, McMahon, Perceval, Rowland, Sheridan, Smith, Stallard, Strong, Taylor, Weaver, & Willebrant. This online and in gallery exhibition opens Friday 26 October 6 - 8pm. Exhibition continues until Monday 26 November.

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James Willebrant Art

ONLINE COLLECTION

Online shopping takes on a whole new meaning in light of the ‘Corona Virus/COVID-19’ and the awareness around this topic. This certainly gives time for reflection of how we shop!

Along with this collection we also have over 2300 artworks available for viewing, simply click the search icon on the top right corner of our home page and enter in the name of an artist, title of work or key word. Ensure you have the right spelling or your match will not be found

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ONLINE COLLECTION

Phil Clarke | CHG Represented Artist

Take Dali and Warhol, add Robert Rauschenberg, stir… VOILA! You’ve got the brilliant surreal-ness of Phil Clarke. Browse and shop art by Phil Clarke here. Phil Clarke's portrait of Clive Evatt was hung in 1983 Archibald Prize, Sydney. Learn more about CHG represented artist Phil Clarke by reviewing his artist profile here.

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Phil Clarke Art

Phil Stallard | CHG Represented Artist

Phil Stallard has a solid 20+ year artist track record, with successful art exhibitions nationally. Phil's oil-paint is applied with a fluid lushness, a sensuousness, that recalls 1960’s Brett Whiteley. Learn more about CHG represented artist Phil Stallard by reviewing his artist profile here.

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Phil Stallard Art

PHIL STALLARD | RIVER ECHOES | OCTOBER 2022

This series was painted between June and Sept 2022. The paintings are distillations of
glimpses out my car window driving from Sydney to my studio at Wisemans Ferry. I have also used impressions of the river near my studio as a starting point for some paintings I am mesmerised by light, especially early morning and early evening, the hills of the Hawkesbury lose their form and become saturated in shadows. I overpaint until the glimpse becomes an abstraction but with unequivocal connection to the place where I had the experience, repeated working occurs until the painting has been reduced to what I feel is pure abstraction and beauty – realism to abstraction via emotion. - Phil Stallard

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PHIL STALLARD | RIVER ECHOES | OCTOBER 2022

POST ISOLATION GROUP EXHIBITION | JUNE 2020

THIS EXHIBITION PROVIDES A RANGE OF PAINTINGS FROM OUR REPRESENTED ARTISTS

Post Isolation; our represented artist's have produced new artwork's to celebrate the turning point of managing this pandemic in Australia.

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POST ISOLATION GROUP EXHIBITION | JUNE 2020

PREMIUM ART

In a market where there is an ever-growing number of discerning art consumers, the collectable or premium art is highly sought! When these brilliant offerings materialise, at the very top of the art market, it excites a buyers’ frenzy. If an Australian artwork by a collectable Australian artist is deemed outstanding, the value can realign. When a buyer can identify these premium Australian artworks, the rewards in ownership will be magnified!

We are happy to discuss the distinctive aspects of premium art available here, and will deliver experienced opinion. If you’d like assistance in recognizing, buying or selling premium Australian art contact us here.

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Australian Art

Private Art Collection

Introduction of Estate Howard & Ruth Johnson Newcastle October 2023

Howard & Ruth readily became friends during frequent gallery visits and our wide-ranging art discussions. They were always interested in exploring new and established artists’ work, and remained vitally engaged with art news, and with every
imaginable aspect of Art.

Howard was a psychiatrist who maintained a firm commitment to supporting patients in the public health system for his entire career. In 1966 he established and led The Shortland Clinic and then The Centre for Psychotherapy until his retirement. Ruth was a widely respected and much-loved teacher for decades at Belmont High and Newcastle Grammar School. Their compassion, expertise, and joie de vivre were much appreciated by the many people they served in their professional lives.

As individuals, and as a couple, they were a delight to be around and stimulating conversation never waned.

Howard and Ruth’s family has decided to release the artworks to the market from whence they came, completing the cycle of giving others the enjoyment and pleasure that these artworks have given the Johnson family. “Enjoy!” is what I feel Howard and Ruth would be saying now!

Amongst this exhibition is a small collection from a private collection from Maitland and a recent drawing just received, by Hilda Rix Nicholas, a little gem.

 

Exhibition comment:


There are art collections and art collectors of all standards, qualities and diversities of taste, which make up the subjectivity of one’s art preferences. Investment buying was never a primary consideration for Howard and Ruth: the Johnson Estate art choices were made with a keen and educated eye, a passion and love of art …. all 
blending. It may seem cliché however Howard & Ruth bought pieces they liked, which had personal meaning for them. I believe the art all but spoke to them and they wanted to learn about what they considered buying, and loved meeting the artists who made the art, whether 2D or 3D.
The artist’s name or reputation was not important, it was all about a connection!

My comment about aspects of this collection will now address the many important names represented in Australian and overseas artists being present; Whiteley, Moore, Chagall, Olsen, Thomas, Preston, Hinder, Blackman, Long, Boyd, Crooke, Rees to name a few.

Additionally, the historical Newcastle references will please many viewers and have become quite rare today. (Lycett, FB Schell, Robertson, and the ‘Eye sketch of the Hunter river’ and Pratt etc).
How Newcastle has changed from the 1880s?

Please ask about the background to any artwork on display, in many instances we have original purchase receipts available thereby giving an immediate provenance.

I hope you enjoy the diversity of this special exhibition!

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Private Art Collection

Rebecca Pierce | CHG Represented Artist

Rebecca Pierce is an awarded contemporary artist from Sydney. Browse and shop art by Rebecca Pierce here. Rebecca primarily works with paint, inks and fine points on canvas and paper. Learn more about CHG represented artist Rebecca Pierce by reviewing her artist profile here.

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Rebecca Pierce Art

ROD BATHGATE | APRIL 2023 | THE GOLDEN AGE AT CHG

ARTIST STATEMENT: 'For all the obvious reasons, the last 2 or 3 years have been difficult for all of us. With this in mind, we are entering a new day beyond the confines of lockdowns and for some, tragic losses.

In the spirit of eternal optimism and hope for a bright future, I have dedicated myself to a new chapter in our culture that is heralded with the banner ''THE GOLDEN AGE''.' - Rod Bathgate

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ROD BATHGATE | APRIL 2023 | THE GOLDEN AGE AT CHG

ROD BATHGATE | CHG REPRESENTED ARTIST

Rod Bathgate is arguably Australia's best pastel artist. Browse and shop art from Rod Bathgate here. Photo-like complicated compositions detailing, light, water effects and beachscapes with a figurative aspect are what we expect from Rod. Learn more about CHG represented artist Rod Bathgate by reviewing his artist profile here.

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Rod Bathgate Art

ROD BATHGATE | COASTAL JOURNEY'S | EXHIBITION OPENING 1, MARCH 6-8PM

Cooks Hill Galleries (CHG) is proud to welcome Rod Bathgate 'Coastal Journey'.

This long awaited exhibition of pastels by Rod Bathgate is only a week away until the opening.

At the opening hear the artist talk about a few of the paintings and understand the relevance to him and the meaning behind the choice of compositions!

Official opening and artist talk is at 6.40pm; browse and buy from the collection, enjoy a wine, catch up with friends and meet the artist.

View Facebook live here: https://www.facebook.com/cookshillgalleries


Artist's exhibition statement: This year I was excited to go on a journey of rediscovery to an old haunt of mine on the mid north coast. Mark Widdup and I spent one day traveling to the Macleay coast, where we stopped at South West Rocks and Crescent Head, to photograph and enjoy those places of my childhood spent in the late 1960's and early & 70's. The vividness and beauty of the area inspired and invigorated me to do a series of works focusing on two of my most beloved spots near SW Rocks, Arakoon and Trial Bay. The luxuriant pandanus palms, the endless white sand, the clear water and the rugged pink granite cliffs, made for an exciting subject. My familiarity with the area helped me to pinpoint the very best subjects in the limited time we had there. 
I spent many weeks after producing a series of colourful pastels that I hope reflect the astonishing beauty of the area.
There was a stillness and peace about these places in whole time we spent there. It's a reflection of our good fortune having these gems on our doorstep and to have so vivid a range of colours and light effects in such a tranquil, ancient and unassuming place.
Along with my sojourn north, I poured myself into a number of works based on the stretch of coast here around Newcastle, from Nobby's beach to Dudley.                     In these pastels, I looked deeper into the detail and light effects of a Newcastle winter by the sea, which, in 2023, was unusually mild. In them, I wanted to capture the various movements of waves, the endlessly changing light refractions in the water and the symphony of subtle textures in the cool winter ocean. I never get tired of its endless offerings.

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ROD BATHGATE | COASTAL JOURNEY'S | EXHIBITION OPENING 1, MARCH 6-8PM

ROD BATHGATE | DECEMBER 2019 |

Cooks Hill Galleries (CHG) presents Rod Bathgate ‘TBC'. This online and in gallery exhibition opens Friday 29 November 6 - 8pm. Exhibition continues until Monday 16 December 2018.

"I have seen many ‘pastel artists’ both in Australia and in my travels and it is my opinion Rod Bathgate is outstanding! I believe he has an insight where he has developed a “feel”- being totally comfortable working with the pastel medium in a unique fashion!" - Mark Widdup.

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ROD BATHGATE | DECEMBER 2019 |

ROD BATHGATE | DECEMBER 2020

Cooks Hill Galleries (CHG) presents Rod Bathgate ‘Summer Breeze'. This online and in gallery exhibition opens Friday 4 December 6 - 8pm. Exhibition continues until Monday 21 December 2020.

More images to come closer to exhibition date.

 

In this collection of works I have divided the content and subject matter into two
distinct stylings while maintaining a common subject theme. 
By utilising my understanding and feel for the iconic ocean vistas in both treatments, I hope to unify the showing in those elements that are familiar and part of our appreciation as Novocastrians of the places we relax and thrive.
I will attempt to summarise the two approaches as best I can in two parts.
1] The comic treatment of the cartoon works in the first series of eight pictures, most of you will be familiar with. My intent with these is always to convey a sense of playfulness and some small irony, while hopefully delivering those realistic elements so identifiably Newcastle in nature ie: the refracting water, the coastal bluffs and landmarks. I always get a kick out of the joining together of the absurd with the realistic, the playful with the serious.
2] The second series of nine pictures has a more reflective and stylised mood and treatment. The working title of the show was intended to be: '2020...WHO SAW THAT COMING' an ironic and poignant description of a rather tumultuous and
interesting year. For these works, I used the myths of ancient Greece and the few
characters who stood out to me as emblems of this curious time. The works are
unified by the subject matter of somber, dark waves, incandescent clouds and
stylistic patterns to give the pieces a sense of story being told. All the works can be viewed as a continuum or as individual works, as they were produced in succession according to my mood and my to hopefully give a sense of the rapid changing events in our world in 2020. There is a mood of foreboding and a persistent ominous dark wave stares into the light as the sky plays out the conflict described in the titles. The irony I am attempting to portray is in the deep calm surrounding the series, while strange and epic events unfold in the atmosphere above. I think I got as close to the mood and narrative I had in my head as I completed each work. I hope you enjoy the works as a connected series and also as a reflection of the great divide between reality and illusion that this year and this time has produced.
Though the new mythological stylised works may appear like a departure for me, I
can assure you, these images float in my head every day of my life and now seems
as good a time as any to bring them to life in some small way. I have tried to be as
truthful to the feel of 2020 as I see it. 
We are in a wild time of flux and the comic and absurd as well as the tragic can
sometimes be close allies. This year has proved that. Thank you all and God bless.
Rod Bathgate

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ROD BATHGATE | DECEMBER 2020

ROGER MCFARLANE & REPRESENTED ARTISTS | CHRISTMAS 2023

Roger McFarlane - Book launch and exhibition.

Book Titled 'Travels, Travails & Stone Dust'

An autobiography by Roger McFarlane detailing his rich and varied life experience on his journey to becoming an internationally recognised sculptor.

Roger will be attending this exhibition launch on Friday 1st December, 6-8pm and he will have his books available on-hand for purchase and signing.

Alongside Roger, we will be featuring works from 18 of our Represented Artists and this is set to be an exhibition you do not wish to miss.

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ROGER MCFARLANE & REPRESENTED ARTISTS | CHRISTMAS 2023

Roger McFarlane | CHG Represented Artist

Roger McFarlane's sculptures are highly finished and show a high degree of commitment, dedication and skill. Browse and shop art by Roger McFarlane here. His philosophy is "respect your art and respect your audience". Learn more about CHG represented artist Roger McFarlane by reviewing his artist profile here.

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Roger McFarlane Art

SEPT - OCT 2019 | BRUCE ROWLAND 'LA DANSE'

Cooks Hill Galleries (CHG) presents BRUCE ROWLAND 'LA DANSE'. This online and in gallery exhibition opens 27th September 6-8pm. Exhibition continues until 14th October 2019.

Bruce Rowland offers the viewer a tribute to ballet in this important and most exciting exhibition. It is a window to a commitment offering insight into the private world of a ballet dancer. Bruce has been given an entree to the lives of the dancers capturing both their personality and their humanity!
It is a rare honour to be entrusted with this incredibly intimate insight; a privilege accepted and respected by a painter who simply understands the art of dance.
When we consider Ballet as a theme for art, it is reasonable to draw parallels from the great artists of the past namely Degas in particular. However, Rowland has created his own interpretation and his presentation of the dancer off a background mood and shadow adds a unique sense of mystery and expectation.
The emphasis on detail - a lace, shine on a shoe, a warm glow emanating from a dancers face - lures the viewer to look more profoundly at the way Rowland paints and the message he unveils within each dancer. - Mark Widdup

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SEPT - OCT 2019 | BRUCE ROWLAND 'LA DANSE'

SEPT 2016 | FIGURE vs LANDSCAPE FROM SUSAN WEAVER, BRUCE ROWLAND, BERND HEINRICH, SHANNON WOODWARD & PRO HART

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT

Cooks Hill Galleries has curated an exhibition showcasing a selection of art from a scope of Australian artists including Susan Weaver, Bruce Rowland, Bernd Heinrich, Shannon Woodward and Pro Hart.

Several particularly known for their technique and subject matter with our clients, others new- with a unique appeal. All are professional artists with a signature style!
Abstract, traditional, cubist and expressionist are all represented. As a result we have a diverse online and gallery exhibition that gives an insight to the ‘established’ and the ‘emerging’ reputation of our artists.

The in gallery and online exhibition features a collection of affordable contemporary paintings that will resonate with art collectors, whether it be those seeking a showpiece for their home, office or an addition to an existing collection.

Yours in art,
Mark Widdup
CHG Director

THE ARTISTS:

SUSAN WEAVER
"Susan Weaver paintings offer a rich colouring that radiates, almost vibrates with energy! The viewer is taken to a landscape, one at first we try to explain or resolve however we end up entering the ‘artists’ universe. Imaginary or real we are met with shadows, structures, reflection and emotion laced with a saturation of layered surfaces within the composition. Perhaps one word best describes the effect for me - luminous" Mark Widdup

Susan Weaver developed a technique which sets her apart from other artists layering of oil pastel and oil on canvas to achieve the powerful and alluring luminosity that is compelling the viewer to look inside, into the depths of her paintings. Her paintings have specific meaning using symbols to represent patterns of nature, spiritual imagery and change. Susan's work appears in collections including; Newcastle Region Art Gallery, Lake Macquarie Regional City Art Gallery, Newcastle Permanent Building Society, Hunter Medical Research Institute, PwC (Price Waterhouse Coopers) Shaw Gidley.

BERND HEINRICH
"My paintings are quintessentially, contemporary Australian landscapes, with a look that is simultaneously haunted, scarred, entrancing, lucid and resonating. They are "playgrounds" an inner exciting experience of freedom not constrained by convention or boundaries.
My re-occurring themes are divided and separated by lines, images, symbols, forms and shapes floating in space to be composed like a sheet of music in the harmony of a visual symphony. The tension between images is revealing my inner world and the depth of my concept." Bernd Heinrich

Born in Weimar in Germany. Studied at the Kunst Academy Augsburg and graduated with an Honours Degree. He held numerous Solo and group Exhibitions since 1974. He was finalist in the Archibald Prize with portraits of Garry McDonald in 1978 and Thomas Kenneally in 1990. Represented in the National Portrait
Gallery Canberra with the Portrait of Thomas Kenneally and in numerous private Collections in Australia, America, England and Germany.
Excepted many times in the Wynne Prize and in the Dobell Prize 2003 with a drawing of Prof. Peter Pinson. In Germany he exhibited in the Grosse Kunst Ausstellung in Munich. Member of the AWI.

BRUCE ROWLAND
"When an eminent Australian artist (now deceased) was asked "What are you painting these days?" he replied "The same old thing, only better!"
As a painter I'm constantly chasing the elusive "master work": The painting that will hold the attention of the viewer for longer than a minute; that will ask the question "how did he do it?" Why? Because that is exactly what I do when confronted by an important work by an Old or Modern Master." Bruce Rowland

It's hard to make a past comparison with any Australian artist who has the diversification, depth of art training, skills and breadth of art interest Rowland possesses. Furthermore, he has studied, taught, refined and developed a professionalism across so many mediums. Arguably there hasn't been an artist since Norman Lindsay who has the scope of art skill across so many media as Bruce Rowland. Apart from that, he is prepared to convey and share his artistic knowledge with anyone who shares an enthusiasm with art and art history. His art was acknowledged with a major survey exhibition of his artworks at the Newcastle Region Art Gallery in 2007.

PRO HART
"Pro Hart was criticised for being a prolific painter, his son John suggesting he painted over 70,000 artworks in his lifetime. Be that as it may the market continues to absorb his art as it has done for 50 years or so. I describe the artwork that comes to the market as the inevitable tide; it ebbs and flows i.e. it is being bought and sold constantly. In my 41 years of business, Pro Hart paintings continue to please and attract buyers." Mark Widdup

Po Hart (Kevin Charles Hart), born May 30, 1928, Broken Hill, N.S.W., Australia —died March 28, 2006, Broken Hill. An Australian artist who, crafted richly coloured oil and acrylic paintings, notably naive rural landscapes inspired by outback. Hart was a sheep farmer, miner, and self-taught painter and sculptor. He opened his own art gallery in Broken Hill, where he contributed to a wider appreciation of the ‘outback’ subject matter and themes. He became widely known to the Australian public in the 1990s through a series of television commercials for easy-to-clean carpets. Hart was made MBE in 1976 and awarded a Centenary Medal in 2003. He was philanthropic by nature and sympathetic to many charity initiatives.

 

SHANNON WOODWARD
“Shannon hasn’t exhibited with the gallery since 2006! Her style has become more explosive, with the cubist influence becoming more stylized. The figure is offset by an expressionist backdrop. The female form appears fluid whilst being almost three dimensional. At the same time, always under the control of the artist, being finely balanced between the foreground and background.” Mark Widdup

I developed a love of painting in 1986 at high school. My Fine Arts Diploma was a turning point for my future! The technique, the manipulation of mediums, the development of discovery of strength of colour and tone all found their way into my art. From portraits to the nude and female form is where I am most comfortable. I strove for simplicity and natural grace with multiple figures representing differing personalities inherent within most of us. Many of my paintings become a reflection of my personality. Whilst I strive for simplicity I realise mine is full of regrets.
For the viewer I would like to think I bring a little bit of calm to their lives. This is most pertinent when we live in a world where we don't stop to assess and appreciate all the wonderful things around us!

DIGITAL EXHIBITION CATALOGUE

In addition to viewing the collection below you can BROWSE + SHOP the digital exhibition catalogue here.

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Susan Weaver Art

SEPTEMBER 22 | WEAVER & GLASSBOROW | ISLANDS & FIRES + PRECIOUS METAL

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT - SUSAN WEAVER

Iridescence is the one word that embodies the over-arching effect of Weaver’s art. The colours effortlessly glow and radiate, allowing for the central focus of a piece to have more impact.

Weaver’s art is almost an optical illusion, where colours are silhouetted. An ethereal land- or seascape is generated by her layering of oil pastel. This medium is not successfully understood by most artists.

Susan’s work shows her clear experimentation of the oil pastel medium. This experimentation is culminated in her discovery of a unique technique, which allows her to extract an inner colour, texture and strength.

A CHG represented artist, Susan’s style has developed in more recent times. This improvement of style has seen new colours introduced to her palette alongside an increased complexity of its use and tone. I often wonder how oil pastel can be further developed or enhanced, however, over time, Weaver has managed to pull-off a master stroke with the medium. Susan herself says her ‘technique is continually evolving’.

Weaver is an under-rated artist, and I staunchly believe we will see her art as a finalist in competitions very soon. If one is seeking an artist with a distinctive style and technique, that only minimally parallels other artists’ works, Weaver will meet your needs. Her application of colour offers the viewer an in-depth sense of richness, something that is always pleasurable to experience.

ARTIST PROFILE - SUSAN WEAVER

Susan Weaver has developed a technique which sets her apart from other artists and technicians – the layering of the oil pastel or oil on canvas! The luminosity achieved is both powerful and alluring, compelling the viewer to look inside or into the depths of her paintings.

When they are exposed to more light either natural or incandescent they reveal the shadows, structures and emotion within. They offer an impact, with a rich colouring and tone that both radiates and attracts the eye from any angle!

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT - STEVE GLASSBOROW

Glassborow’s design and imagination is superior!
Call it intuitive, imaginative, creative.

Steve says much of the impetus for a sculpture comes from a phrase or sentence that comes to mind after an observation. This triggers the development of an idea and allows for the design of a sculpture to commence. First by preparing a sketch, refining the plan, and assessing the design for scale and proportion.

Art deco and beauty, particularly the feminine, has been a constant influence in Glassborow’s art along with the element of science fiction. He is fascinated in creating a figurative form and aligning it with another era. The finished product is edgy and fascinating to perceive, which leaves the viewer questioning the works’ meaning. It is dazing to behold a design that is both workable and a balanced sculpture.

Steve Glassborow has a preference for bronze, but has also previously explored sculpture in wood, resin and clay. He works closely with his Australian foundry co-workers to achieve the desired outcome.

In more recent years, Glassborow himself has taken over the selection of coloured oxides and the patination process. The outcome is a more sophisticated colour application and surface texture. This selection process is a learnt skill and Glassborow seems to have a natural-born instinct for the process.

We often judge quality through the aesthetic, and Steve’s figurative work is highly relatable and expressive.
Designing a simplistic interpretation is, in reality, far from simple. A seemingly simple piece requires a finesse for the flow of line and composition, which is engendered in the Glassborow style. Once you throw in a suggestion of sensuality and an understated patination, you have the core essence of this designer/sculptor.

ARTIST PROFILE - STEVE GLASSBOROW

Steve Glassborow is a sculptor who presents human figures in a unique way. They are, at the one time, classical and abstract. It is almost as if his figures have chosen their relationship with their environment after an initial struggle to retain their integrity.
"I attempt to bend the traditional attitudes of the figure, while still retaining my view of an aesthetic balance," he says.

Born in Hammersmith in the UK, it was while studying Fine Arts at the Brighton College of Art that he realised he preferred the physicality and structure of sculpture to the discipline of painting. So began his journey with clay, developing the myriad of skills that are required to master sculpturing.

He travelled for four years exhibiting his work and releasing limited edition art deco and art nouveau figurines and lamps, both in the UK and in Australia. In 1983 he became a permanent resident of Australia.

For him, inspiration comes with a pose, an idea or a phrase and a context. In the beginning he develops his ideas on paper and experiments with the framework within which he can place his figures. He creates a scale drawing, from which he builds a clay original. By manipulating the figure in this way, he captures it in a blend of the real and the abstract. Once complete, a silicon rubber mould for the final piece is made, normally in bronze. 

“I'm observing the clay as it changes the human form. I am fascinated with muscles in the physique," he says.


DIGITAL EXHIBITION CATALOGUE

The digital exhibition catalogue containing exhibition introduction, artist statement and CHG Director's statement can be viewed here.

 

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Susan Weaver Art

SEPTEMBER 28 | GAVIN FRY 'HOME PORT' | & CAROLYN VAN WAMEL, DAVID BESCHI


Cooks Hill Galleries (CHG) presents Gavin Fry ‘Home Port’, with co-exhibitors Carolyn van Wamel (impressionist/abstract landscape paintings) and David Beschi (watercolour paintings). This online and in gallery exhibition opens Friday 28 September 6 - 8pm. Exhibition continues until Monday 22 October 2018.


"It is just on twenty years since I dropped anchor in Newcastle and made it my home port. When I returned to painting after a four-decade layoff I took the most basic advice to aspiring artists... paint what you know! I understand a bit about ships and, living next to the harbour, find endless subjects with the great bulk carriers and busy tugs seen against the architecture of this fascinating city." - Gavin Fry.


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Gavin Fry Art

SPRING SALE | 20-45% OFF - DISCOUNT APPLIED TO THESE ARTWORKS

Cooks Hill Galleries (CHG) presents our SPRING SALE, COLLECTORS, COLLECTION. These artworks have all been heavily discounted as part of this sale, markdown prices as listed. They are available to purchase online and in gallery. 

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Jason Benjamin - More than he could hold

STEVE GLASSBOROW

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STEVE GLASSBOROW
 
 
 
 

STEVE GLASSBOROW | ANTI-GRAVITY, UNDERSTANDING BRONZE | ONLINE COLLECTION

Please be advised that the gallery remains in recess this is an online collection and is available for viewing and purchase below.

"I search for ideas that toy with the concept of realism. Bronze is an intimidating material to work with, there is the inclination to take it too seriously. I like my work to display two illusions. Firstly I like my pieces to appear light weight , and secondly they should be light hearted. In reality, neither are true." - Steve Glassborow

Yours in art,

Mark Widdup

CHG Director

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Steve Glassborrow Art

Steve Glassborow | CHG Represented Artist

Steve Glassborow sculptures immediately command the viewers attention with striking imagery, forms and design. Browse and shop sculpture by Steve Glassborow here. His sculptures are classical and abstract. Learn more about CHG represented artist Steve Glassborow by reviewing his artist profile here.

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Steve Glassborow Art

STEVE GLASSBOROW | ONLINE BRONZE EXHIBITION | MARCH 2020

This is an online collection and is available for viewing and purchase below.

"I search for ideas that toy with the concept of realism. Bronze is an intimidating material to work with, there is the inclination to take it too seriously. I like my work to display two illusions. Firstly I like my pieces to appear light weight , and secondly they should be light hearted. In reality, neither are true." - Steve Glassborow

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STEVE GLASSBOROW | ONLINE BRONZE EXHIBITION | MARCH 2020

Stockton to Nelson Bay

Cooks Hill Galleries (CHG) presents CHG Artists. Participating CHG artists include Bathgate, Fry, Glassborow, Maitland, Rowland, Sheridan, Stallard, Weaver, & Willebrant. This online and pop-up exhibition opens Saturday 19 December and continues to Sunday 20 December.

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Stockton to Nelson Bay

Susan Sheridan | CHG Represented Artist

Artist Susan Sheridan experiences the landscape by absorbing all its nature, its moods. Browse and shop art by Susan Sheridan here. With 28+ solo exhibitions, and multiple group shows her art is often described as possessing muted tones and being atmospheric, impressionistic, sublime, and dreamy. Learn more about CHG represented artist Susan Sheridan by reviewing her artist profile here.

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Susan Sheridan Art

Susan Weaver | CHG Represented Artist

Susan Weaver is a contemporary artist. Browse and shop Susan Weaver's art here. Susan's art is as much a celebration of surface and colour, as it is a metaphor for the creative act itself. Learn more about CHG represented artist Susan Weaver by reviewing her artist profile here.

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Susan Weaver | CHG Represented Artist

SUSAN WEAVER | TRANSITIONS | JUNE 2021

Cooks Hill Galleries (CHG) presents Susan Weaver ‘Transitions'. Exhibition opens Friday 4 June,  11 - 5 pm. Exhibition continues until Monday 28 June 2021. Preview by appointment.

Meet the artist from 3 - 5pm Friday 4 June and Saturday 5 June 11:45am - 1pm 

Artist Statement: I decided to call the exhibition "TRANSITIONS" because I've included paintings from many of the different series produced over the years. It's interesting reflecting on how change occurs over time and how one thought leads to another.

Although the works can appear very different from one series to another, the common thread in my work is the transition of colours. I'm interested in how one colour can bleed into another where an illusional line is formed and other suggested lines can be sharp and hard edged.

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SUSAN WEAVER | TRANSITIONS | JUNE 2021

Tracey-Maree Smith | CHG Represented Artist

Contemporary abstract artist Tracey-Maree Smith was recently selected as an Art Gallery NSW 2016 Wynne prize finalist for her work ‘First Creek, Redhead Beach’. The Wynne prize is one of Australia’s most prestigious art awards and awarded for Australia’s best landscape painting. Learn more about CHG represented artist Tracey-Maree Smith by reviewing her artist profile here.

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Tracey Maree Smith Art

UNLOCK THE VAULTS

This is an online only exhibition - available to browse and shop on our website.

A CURATED COLLECTION OF PAINTINGS COLONIAL TO CONTEMPORARY HELD IN STOCK AT THE GALLERY. 

During the holiday recess explore our Facebook and Instagram and the galleries website, where you’ll find over 2,200 artworks on display and available for purchase. 

Yours in art,
Mark Widdup
CHG Director

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UNLOCK THE VAULTS

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