There were a few old Holden utes in various stages of disrepair lying around on the grazing property, and Graham discussed the concept of painting them as murals and mounting them in a paddock near the road for passers-by to admire.
Artist Michael Jones was one of the first people to see the merit and the potential of this amazing project, which rapidly grew into a major undertaking involving more than ten notable Outback artists.
Local people from several places including Ootha, Condobolin, Parkes and Forbes became inspired by the project. Some donated ancient Holden utes for the artists to paint. Others contributed materials and labour; as well as the engineering expertise which saw the first ten metal works of art suspended in the Outback sky in time for a celebration of the 50th anniversary commemoration.
The iconic Holden ute which helped to write the history of rural Australia was the inevitable star of this project … but other Aussie emblems got some unexpected exposure, too. Bundaberg Rum was a theme for one of the impressive murals, while the Akubra and Drizabone brands were prominent on another.
The works were completed over the course of several months and they displayed brilliant creativity and innovation through each artist’s interpretation of the brief. The clever idea of mounting the old utes on poles added another creative dimension which the artists used to great advantage.
Esta historia es de la edición No 169 de Artists Palette.
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Esta historia es de la edición No 169 de Artists Palette.
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Eye of Observation
Draw, draw, and draw some more; develop your artist’s eye of observation. Sterling advice from a lady who believes that seeing shapes in paintings requires a truly ‘arty’ eye.
Pelicans To Portraits
This lady has painted everything from pelicans to portraits. She has completed commissions including cats, dogs, horses, possums, numerous beach scenes … and even a Scottish piper.
Gregory John Brennan: Lost Profession
Looking back on his early career as a bulldozer driver, this rural New South Wales painter laments the days when he was too young to appreciate his outstanding potential as an artist.
Pastels: Once We Were Important
A simplified and well named painting tells a powerful and interesting story. This clever pastel artist is delighted to share her techniques for the benefit of others.
Fibre Art
This artist feels that the hardest lesson she had to learn was to believe in herself … and once she did that, everything started to fall into place and her confidence grew.
Water Lily Magic
Instead of paper and paint, this artist uses fabric and threads … and she uses a sewing machine instead of a brush. The textures, colours and prints of fabrics thrown together with threads fascinate her, and often give inspiration for her designs.
Loading Wheat – 1920s
It is rare to see an artist displaying this level of skill and understanding in capturing the activity and atmosphere of bygone days from Australia’s agricultural history.
‘Jama' – King Cheetah
This exquisitely talented lady believes that every artist has failures … but it is important to remember that every success is better than the one before.
Blahuta's Ute
Early in the year we ran a feature about ‘Utes in the Paddock’ – a landmark project by several notable artists. In this article, one of those artists shares his story and some of his views … and describes the process of creating his own piece of an amazing collaborative work.
Artists' Easels
Many important tools are employed by artists in creating their paintings. Artists’ easels are now available in a host of styles and configurations to enhance the creative process. Some of your favourite art materials suppliers are more than pleased to highlight a selection of the many products being offered.
