Talking with Painters

Jude Rae is as interested in faces as she is in gas bottles and airports with her work crossing genres from portraiture to still life and architectural interiors. Amongst the very few artists to have won the Portia Geach Memorial Award for portraiture twice, she was also awarded the Bulgari Art Award last year with her painting 'SL 359', a meditative still life. She has exhibited in over 45 solo shows across Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the US, has been involved in many more group shows and her work is held in major public and private collections across Australia and internationally. We talk about growing up in an artistic home (her father, David Rae, was a painter whose work is held by the Art Gallery of NSW), the challenges of portrait commissions and illusion and materiality in painting.  She also talks about her interest in the viewer looking beyond the narrative a painting might suggest and tells of how she came about painting those gas bottles! You can see a short video taken on the day of the interview on the Talking with Painters YouTube channel (and below) Upcoming events * 'Jude Rae: A Space of Measured Light' Drill Hall Gallery, Canberra, ACT, 18 August to 15 October 2017 Links to things and people we talk about on the show: * Jude Rae * Jude Rae at Jensen Gallery * David Rae at the Art Gallery of NSW * Frank Watters  * Cy Twombly * Cy Twombly's Le Panto Cycle (YouTube) * Diego Velazquez * Portia Geach memorial award * Professor Ian Chubb AC * Bulgari Art Award * Jude Rae at the Drill Hall Gallery * Video of Jude Rae talking with Maria Stoljar in her studio - Talking with Painters YouTube channel (below) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ORE9JQfJgs 'SL359' 2016, oil on linen, 1530 x 1220mm, winner Bulgari Art Award 2016 'Self Portrait (the year my husband left )' 2008, acrylic and oil on linen, 153 x 198cm, 2008 Portia Geach Memorial Award winner 'SL 341' 2014, oil on linen, 500 x 540mm 'Sarah Peirse', 2014, oil on linen, 710 x 660mm, Archibald finalist 2014 'Dr Ian Chubb' 2011, oil on linen, 900 x 1200mm 'SL 315' 2013, oil on linen, 1220 x 1370mm 'Interior 371 (Foyer II)', 2017, oil on linen, 1500mm x 2600mm (left);  'Interior 370 (Foyer I)', oil on linen, 2600 x 1980mm (right) 'T5 (Heathrow #247)', 2010, oil on linen, 180 x 240cm 'Interior 278 (Munich I), 2011, oil on linen, 1550 x 1980mm

Joanna Logue is an award-winning painter whose work distinctively reflects her experience of the countryside and bushland. Through her sensual application of paint, she transports the viewer into a dreamlike landscape. She has exhibited in 34 solo shows and her work has been included in over 65 group shows. Her work is held in public and private collections and she has received many commissions. As this podcast goes online her solo show ‘Heartland’ hangs in Sydney's King Street Gallery on William. In this podcast episode, Logue talks about her early life growing up in a small town of NSW before moving to Sydney, she tells of how her relationship with her twin sister impacted her early years, and generously gives many insights into her painting process. She also talks about how she changed her approach to painting from one of seeking perfectionism in the early years to her free and visceral approach today where 'there are no rules'. To hear the interview press 'play' above. To see a short video of Logue talking with Maria Stoljar in the lead up to her exhibition click here. Feature photo:  Joanna Logue with Cinnamon in front of 'Heartland I' (left) and 'Merri Creek' (photo courtesy of the artist) Current show * 'Heartland', King Street Gallery on William, Sydney, 18 July - 12 August, 2017 Links to things and people we talk about on the show * Joanna Logue * Joanna Logue at King Street Gallery * Joanna Logue at Anna Pappas Gallery * Simonne Logue * Guy Warren at Olsen Gallery * Idris Murphy * Idris Murphy at King Street Gallery * Hill End artists in residence * Donald Friend * Russell Drysdale * Arthur Boyd * Bruny Island residency * Camie Lyons at Olsen Gallery * Camie Lyons on Instagram * Susan Baird * Susan Baird at Arthouse Gallery * Elisabeth Cummings * Elisabeth Cummings at King Street Gallery * Martin Pera * Kym Bonython * Video of  Joanna Logue talking with Maria Stoljar on the Talking with Painters YouTube channel (below) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fgh43pBbhg 'Heartland I, 2017, oil on linen, 130 x 170cm 'Bruny II', 2016, oil on board, 50cm x 5cm 'Heartland II', 2017, oil on linen, 130 x 170cm 'Bruny I', 2016, oil on board, 50 x 50cm 'Lake George', oil on paper, 50 x 260cm 'Gundagai Bridge', 2016,

He only started painting about 18 months ago, but Jordy Kerwick has caught the attention of art dealers and curators across the world. As this episode goes online, his first solo show opens at Lindberg Galleries, in Melbourne, Australia. His next will be in New York's Anna Zorina Gallery and will be followed by another five group shows which are coming up in Europe and the US. Kerwick attributes part of his success to the power of Instagram, where he has a substantial following - and it's growing daily. It's there that he's connected and made friends with other artists which has fuelled his love of painting with the exchange of images and ideas. But just a glance at his work is enough to see why he is in such hot demand. His mark making, brushstroke and use of colour create an emotion and vibrancy which has drawn in his followers. Hear in this conversation how Kerwick's wife Rachael was a major influence in his taking up painting, how his sons inspire him both in his art and in his life, and how music and Instagram have played a role in making him one of Australia's most exciting emerging artists. To hear the podcast conversation with Jordy Kerwick and Maria Stoljar press 'Play' above and scroll down to see the works we talk about on the show and a short video taken on the day of the interview. Photos courtesy of the artist and Lindberg Galleries Upcoming solo shows * Solo show at Lindberg Galleries, '4th Time Around', Melbourne, from 6 to 22 July 2017 * Solo show at Anna Zorina Gallery, New York, date TBA Links to things and people we talk about on the show * Jordy Kerwick at Lindberg Galleries * Jordy Kerwick at Anna Zorina Gallery * Jordy Kerwick on Instagram * Heide Museum of Modern Art * John and Sunday Reed  * Sidney Nolan * Arthur Boyd * Rhys Lee on Instagram * Henri Matisse * Andrew Salgado on Instagram * Cy Twombly * Adam Lee on Instagram  * Justin Williams on Instagram * Ina Gerken on Instagram * Video:  Jordy Kerwick shows Maria Stoljar his recent work on the Talking with Painters YouTube channel (below) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kf2eaHFDRg 'Time of the Assassins', oil on canvas 'Williamstown Winter', oil on canvas, 71 x 91cm Flowers 1-6, oil on canvas, 60 x 70cm 'She Smiled Sweetly', oil on canvas, 71 x 91cm 'Protagonist', oil on canvas, 90 x 106cm 'Sunset in Daylesford', oil on canvas, 40 x 50cm 'Untitled', oil on canvas, 35 x 46cm Portraits 'There is No Wolf Like the Present', oil on canvas, 50 x 60cm 'Good Luck Charm #3", 2016, oil, acrylic on canvas, 91.4 x 76.2cm 'Untitled', oil on canvas, 70 x 90cm

At only 32 years of age, Natasha Bieniek has been awarded the Wynne prize for landscape painting, the Portia Geach Memorial award for portrait painting and the Metro art award, has been a five time finalist in the Archibald prize, a three time finalist in the Doug Moran National Portrait prize and has been shortlisted in many others. Impressive as that is, what's more amazing about Bieniek’s work is its size. Her winning Wynne prize painting 'Biophilia' was only 9cm square and her portrait of Wendy Whiteley, which was highly commended by the trustees in the 2016 Archibald prize, is only  13.5cm x 18.5cm. She is without doubt a master of the miniature. Bieniek has exhibited in six solo shows, across Australia and overseas, and in many group shows. The National Portrait Gallery held an exhibition in 2014, ‘In the Flesh’, where 14 of her miniature portraits were included, borrowed from private collections. In our conversation, Bieniek reveals how it was not all smooth sailing at the beginning and talks about how nature in the urban environment has inspired her work. She also provides details about her process which reveal the intensive labour involved in creating her exquisite paintings. To hear Maria Stoljar's conversation with Natasha Bieniek press 'play' above and scroll down to see the works they talk about on the podcast Video of Natasha Bieniek in her studio can be seen on YouTube here Upcoming events * Sydney Contemporary, Sydney, as part of a group show curated by Dianne Tanzer and This Is No Fantasy  - September 2017 Links to things and people we talk about on the show * Natasha Bieniek at This is No Fantasy + Dianne Tanzer Gallery * Natasha Bieniek at Jan Murphy Gallery * Natasha Bieniek on Instagram * Victoria Reichelt * Wynne Prize * Portia Geach Memorial Award * Archibald Prize * Michael Brand * Wendy Whiteley * Wendy Whiteley and the Secret Garden by Janet Hawley * Brett Whiteley * Natasha Bieniek talks with Maria Stoljar in her studio on the Talking with Painters YouTube channel (below) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y17eJu-IKEk 'Wendy Whiteley', 2016, oil on wood, 13.5 x 18.5cm, finalist Archibald prize 2016 Detail of 'Wendy Whiteley' 'Biophilia', 2015, oil on dibond, 9 x 9cm, winner of Wynne prize 2015 'Sahara' 2014, oil on wood, 13.5 x 18.5cm, winner of Portia Geach Memorial Award 2015 'Jennifer (St Columba Falls, Pyengana)', 2017, oil on dibond, 9 x 14cm 'Eleanor', 2015, oil on dibond, 9 x 9cm 'Gardenia', 2014, oil on wood, 6 x 8cm 'Kumiko' 2016, oil on dibond, 9 x 14cm  

Lewis Miller is one of Australia's greatest living portrait artists. He won Australia's most famous portrait award, the Archibald prize, in 1998 and has been a finalist 17 times. As well as winning and being shortlisted in many other art awards, his works are held in numerous public and private art collections in Australia and internationally. He has had 30 solo shows and his work has been included in over 90 group shows. Painting from life, he has masterfully captured the likeness of notable sitters including High Court justices, a Nobel laureate, the first man to climb Mount Everest, as well as many artists and friends. In addition to his portraits and nudes, he paints exquisite still lifes which glow from the canvas. He was appointed by the Australian War Memorial as a war artist in the Iraq conflict in 2003 and another commission saw him travel the globe to draw and paint over 60 portraits of scientists and technicians involved in the Human Genome Project. In this episode of the podcast, Miller talks about his Archibald win, why he doesn't seek to flatter his sitters, what appeals to him about painting oysters, fish and pomegranates, as well as providing many insights into his materials and methods. To hear the conversation press 'play' above and scroll down to see the works we talk about on the show and a short video taken on the day of the interview.  Upcoming events * 2018 solo show with Heiser Gallery, Brisbane Links to people and things we talk about in the show * Lewis Miller at Australian Galleries * Lewis Miller at Heiser Gallery * Peter Miller * William Dargie CBE * Victorian College of the Arts * Allan Mittelman * Archibald Prize * Ray Hughes * Natasha Walsh * Lucian Freud's portrait of Queen Elizabeth II * Michel Lawrence documentary on the making of portrait of Bernard Teague * The Hon Bernard Teague AO * The Hon Kim Santow AO * The Hon Robert French AC * Sir Edmund Hillary KG ONZ KBE * The Hon Susan Crennan AC QC * Rick Amor * Tom Alberts  * Australian War Memorial * Peter Churcher * Will Dyson * Nora Heyson AC * George Lambert * Sir Ivor Hele CBE *

With his work currently hanging in Flinders Lane Gallery alongside other leading emerging artists, Michael Simms' career has taken a leap since he completed his classical training at Sydney's Julian Ashton Art School in 2014. In the last 12 months alone he has won three art prizes; the Cambridge Studio Gallery portrait prize, the Cliftons Sydney Art prize and the Cliftons People's choice award.  He was finalist in seven others including the Black Swan Prize for Portraiture and the Percival Tucker Portrait Prize, has exhibited in two solo exhibitions and has been in a number of group shows. But his path forward has not always been as clear as it is today and he talks openly about the uncertainty he experienced after leaving university when he struggled to find direction.  An unexpected 21st birthday present and advice he received from a life drawing teacher led him to enrol at Julian Ashton Art School where he became 'addicted' to drawing and painting and was awarded a scholarship. In our conversation he also talks about his portraits of Paul Capsis and Thomas Keneally and describes his process and approach to colour and light which feature strongly in his breathtaking portraits and landscapes. To listen to the podcast episode press 'play' above or listen on your podcast app.  The works, as well as links to things and people we talk about in the episode, are below. Current and upcoming events * 'Exploration 17' at Flinders Lane Gallery, Melbourne, 23 May - 17 June 2017 * 'Medley II' at Gaffa Gallery, Sydney, 11 - 24 October 2017 * 'Interfacing' with Tom Christopherson at Stanley Street Gallery, Sydney, 12 September - 6 October 2018 Links to people and things we talk about on the show * Michael Simms * Michael Simms on Instagram * Tony Johanssen * Julian Ashton Art School * Rod Wong * Cambridge Studio Gallery * Paul Capsis * Paul Capsis performing with Conchita Wurst at the Sydney Opera House (YouTube) * Thomas Keneally * Anh Do's 'Brush with Fame' * Flinders Lane Gallery * Rene Magritte * Nick Stathopoulos * Lucy West-Sooby * Marie Mansfield * Mertim Gokalp * Kathrin Longhurst * Video: Michael Simms shows his recent work to Maria Stoljar on the Talking with Painters YouTube channel (below) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk-Vw7QzmdA 'Transcendence' 2016, oil on polyester, 82 x 50cm Paul Capsis II, 2017, oi on polyester, 44 x 58cm  

Suzanne Archer has been an influential artist in Australia for over four decades, producing superb works across painting, drawing and sculpture. Born in Surrey, England, Archer has lived in Australia nearly all her adult life. For the past 30 years she has lived in the bushland suburb of Wedderburn, on the outskirts of Sydney, in a thriving artist's community. She made her mark in the art world relatively quickly after arriving in Australia in the 60s and has gone on to win many art prizes including the Wynne prize for landscape painting, the Dobell prize for drawing and the Kedumba drawing prize. There were two surveys of Archer's work over 2016/2017 which displayed its impressive depth. She has had 40 solo shows and been involved in over 150 group shows over her career. In this podcast interview, Archer talks about how her first solo show in Sydney resulted in a media response involving not only newspaper reviews but appearances on television, how the Sydney University veterinary laboratory played a role in her work and she reveals many details of her creative process. Press play (or subscribe) above to hear the podcast episode and scroll to see the paintings we talk about and a short video taken on the day of the interview. Upcoming events Over the next two years Archer will be exhibiting in solo exhibitions with Nicholas Thompson Gallery, Victoria, and at Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery and Maitland Regional Art Gallery, both in NSW. Things and people we talk about in the show * Suzanne Archer at Nicholas Thompson Gallery * Suzanne Archer on Instagram * 'The Story of Art' by E.H Gombrich * Thirroul * Watters Gallery * David Fairbairn * 'Suzanne Archer: The Alchemy of the Studio' at Macquarie University Art Gallery * 'Formulas for Painters' by Robert Massey * Suzanne Archer in her studio on the Talking with Painters YouTube channel (below) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg2nq_XPiqc 'Derangement' 2010, winner of Dobell prize for drawing Waratahs - Wedderburn, 1994, winner of Wynne prize 'Velocipede' 2016, oil on canvas, 240 x 240cm 'China Joy' 2016, oil on canvas, 240 x 330cm 'Referencial - Reverential', 2011, ink, charcoal & pastel on paper, 77 x 113cms 'Vivarium', Artist's Book, 2013, timber,leather,metal fittings,paper,acrylic paint, closed 22cm x 31cm_open 22cm x 311cm 'Blindfold', 2011, bisque-fired clay with acrylic paint, 20 x 22 x 11cm 'Witness', 2012, bisque fired clay, acrylic paint, embroidery thread, 18.5 x 18 x 11.5cm 'Dodo and Rider' 2009,

One of Australia's most outstanding painters, McLean Edwards had his first solo show at 16 years of age when he was still at high school. Since then he has had 30 solo exhibitions with his most recent, 'Marsupials', about to open in New York at Olsen Gruin Gallery. He is a five time Archibald Prize finalist and has been included in the Archibald as a sitter four times. His compelling paintings invite us to enter another world where his characters' lives and motives are limited only by our imaginations. In this podcast interview, Edwards talks about how that first solo show came about, why he was later kicked out of art school and why he doesn't usually take portrait commissions. He also reveals interesting background details about his Archibald finalist portraits of Tim Storrier and Cate Blanchett. To hear the podcast interview press 'play' above and see below for the paintings we talk about and a short video taken on the day of the interview. Upcoming events * Solo exhibition, 'Marsupials', Olsen Gruin, New York, May 13 - June 11, 2017 * Scott Livesey Galleries, Melbourne, November, 2017 Things and people we talk about on the show * McLean Edwards at Olsen Gallery * McLean Edwards at Olsen Gruin * McLean Edwards on Instagram * Canberra School of Art * David Williams * Dadaism * National Gallery of Australia * Sidney Nolan * Donald Friend * Norman Lindsay * Nigel Thomson * Archibald Prize * Tim Storrier * Cate Blanchett * Andrew Upton * Sam Leach * William Dobell * Dobell's winning Archibald portrait of Margaret Olley * Hughes Gallery * Nicholas Harding * Tim Olsen * 'For the Love of God' by Damien Hirst (diamond skull) * Ken Done * McLean Edwards on the Talking with Painters YouTube channel (below) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrV0KMyQK4s 'Marsupials #2', 2017, oil on linen, 61" x 66.5" 'Tim Storrier', 2010, oil on canvas, 183 x 168cm 'Cate Blanchett and Family', 2006, oil on canvas, 159cm x 150cm 'Hourglass' 2017, oil on linen, 54" x 78" 'Train Stop' 2013, oil on canvas 168 x 152cm 'Art Student #18' 2016, oil on canvas, 107 x 97cm 'Nabokov's Mistress #1' 2012, oil on canvas,

Alesandro Ljubicic's nature-inspired paintings appear to be emerging from the canvas. He uses an impasto technique, applying thick layers of paint, to create extraordinary works which entice the viewer in for a closer look. Ljubicic has had seven solo shows, has been involved in many more group shows and has been a finalist in various art competitions including the Doug Moran National Portrait prize, the Mosman art prize and Paddington art prize. His paintings range from the representational to the pure abstract and he keeps pushing the limits of what he can do with oil paint. His recent work ranges from very large semi abstract paintings up to four and a half metres wide to smaller abstract works which can be up to 8cm deep in paint and essentially lie somewhere between painting and sculpture. Ljubicic also has a mind for business.  He founded the Sydney Art store when still at art school. In the podcast interview he tells the story of how that started and why it's still important to him to keep that business as his day job despite his success as an artist. To hear the interview, click play under the feature photo (above) or subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or with your podcast app! To see a short video of Alesandro Ljubicic talking with Maria Stoljar in his studio, go to the Talking with Painters YouTube channel here Feature photo by Mark Jezercic Upcoming events * Solo exhibition, 'Intrinsic Nature', Scott Livesey Galleries, Melbourne, 27 April - 20 May 2017 * Sydney Contemporary, Carriageworks, Sydney, 7-10 September 2017 People and things we talk about on the show * Alesandro Ljubicic * Alesandro Ljubicic on Instagram * Alesandro Ljubicic at Scott Livesey Galleries * Alesandro Ljubicic at Michael Reid * National Art school * Lucy Culliton * Sydney Art Store * Art2Muse * Sean Cook - Mr Cook Flowers * Monika Radulovic on Instagram * Alesandro Ljubicic on the Talking with Painters YouTube channel (below) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-0iuK1RwiE     'Linen Ash Rose" #1, 60cm round, oil on linen 'Linen Magnolia' 4.5 x 1.8m, triptych, oil on linen Midnight Ash Rose #2 - 65x65cm Oil on Linen Over DiaBond Oil on birch panel, 25 x 30cm Oil and resin on linen mounted to panel, 25 x 30cm Oil and resin on linen mounted to panel, 25 x 30cm Oil & resin on linen mounted to panel, 25 x 30cm                

Loribelle Spirovski's career is rising. Fast. Although she only began painting seriously about five years ago, in just over the last two she won the Cambridge Studio Gallery Art prize and has been a finalist in 18 other art competitions including the Black Swan Art Prize, Muswellbrook Art Prize, the Portia Geach Memorial Award and was semi finalist twice in the Doug Moran National Portrait prize. She will be showing her work in three solo shows and two group shows over the next 12 months. Born in the Philippines, Spirovski came to Australia when she was nine and studied to become an art teacher, never imagining she could become a practising artist. However, she soon realised teaching was not for her, and during a period of despondency, took to painting. She has not turned back.  Relentlessly researching renowned artists and their techniques she has embarked on an exciting path of exploration, constantly taking risks and producing impressive works along the way. In this interview she talks about how she taught herself to paint, the struggles she faced and why the rejection of her painting 'Vers la Flamme' for the Archibald prize in 2015 was to cause her to rethink her whole approach. We also discuss how she met her partner, acclaimed concert pianist, Simon Tedeschi, who has become her muse and source of much of her subject matter and how their relationship and the music in their lives has impacted her work. Click here to see a short video of Loribelle Spirovski on the Talking with Painters YouTube channel. Upcoming events * Solo show at Gaffa Gallery, Sydney, NSW * Group show 'Emerging 2017' with Gosford Regional Gallery, East Gosford, NSW, 8 April - 21 May 2017 * Group show 'Practise what you teach', Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, Sydney, NSW, 29 April - 4 June 2017 * Solo exhibition arising from current residency with Fairfield City Museum and Gallery, Sydney, NSW - date TBA * Solo show with Cambridge Studio Gallery, Melbourne, Victoria - date TBA Links to things we talk about on the show * Loribelle Spirovski * Doug Moran National Portrait Prize * Olsen Gallery * Photorealism * Black Swan Prize * Portia Geach Memorial Award * Cambridge Studio Gallery Art prize * Diego Velazquez * John Singer Sargent * Ray Turner  * Simon Tedeschi * Dmitri Shostakovich * Alexander Scriabin * Sergei Rachmaninoff *

Jenny Sages was born in Shanghai, China, to Russian parents. Her family migrated to Australia in the 40s when she was a teenager. After studying at the Franklin School of Art in New York she returned to Australia where she worked as a freelance illustrator and writer, mainly in fashion and travel, for various magazines including Vogue. It wasn’t until the early 80s, when she went on a trip to the remote Kimberley ranges in Western Australia, that her career in fine art really began.  It was there that she fell in love with the people and landscape of the Australian outback and she began her career as a full time painter. It was the beginning of annual trips to remote communities of the Northern Terrirtory and Western Australia where she became friends with aboriginal artists including those amongst Australia's most famous - Emily Kngwarreye and Gloria Petyarre. Sages not only paints the Australian landscape but is also an acclaimed portraitist and creates intricate abstract works. Apart from winning the Wynne prize for landscape painting she was awarded the Portia Geach prize for portraiture twice and the Archibald People’s Choice award.  She was also selected as a finalist in the Wynne, Archibald and other prizes many times (a staggering 20 times for the Archibald) and she’s been the subject of several documentaries.  The National Portrait Gallery also held a touring exhibition of her portraits in 2011. Press play above to hear our conversation which is on the Talking with Painters podcast. To see Sages talk about her current work in progress and to see inside her studio have a look at the short video posted on the Talking with Painters YouTube channel here. Links to things we talk about on the show: * Jenny Sages at King Street Gallery * The Kimberley  * Emily Kngwarreye * Gloria Petyarre * Wynne Prize * Archibald Prize * Jenny Sages' works at the National Portrait Gallery * Paths to Portraiture - National Portrait Gallery * Paths to Portraiture - Documentary by Catherine Hunter * Anna Akhmatova * Nick Stathopoulos * Jenny Sages on the Talking with Painters YouTube channel (below) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efGF9mDP0rI 'My Jack', 2011, encaustic oil and pigment on board, 120 x 170cm 'After Jack', 2012, encaustic and pigment on board, 120 x 190cm 'It's all in the doing of it' 2016, encaustic, pigment and oil on board, 30 x 20cm   'Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily', 1993, oil on canvas, 213.5 x 182.5cm Collection: National Portrait Gallery Untitled (Study for 'Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily') 1993, charcoal on paper, 30.4 x 22.

Acclaimed artist Belynda Henry has been painting professionally for over 20 years and has exhibited in over 25 solo shows across Australia.  Her works inspire an emotional response from many of her viewers achieved through her masterful use of colour, shape and brushstroke. Her shows sell out quickly, often within the first hour of the works becoming available, and she receives many commissions. Henry predominantly paints landscapes but she was also a finalist in the Archibald prize for portraiture in 2016.  She has been selected as a finalist in many other art competitions including four times in the prestigious Wynne prize for landscape painting. Our conversation took place in Henry's studio in a secluded valley on the central coast of NSW so the sounds you hear in the background are the birds of the Australian bush. We not only hear about how she achieved success in the art world but also of advice she received from significant people in her life which helped her get there.  She also talks about how to juggle commissions within an art practice, balancing painting and motherhood, she generously shares information about her process and gives motivational advice to those starting out. Click here to see Henry in her studio on the Talking with Painters YouTube channel. Press 'play' above to hear Maria Stoljar's conversation with Belynda Henry and scroll down to see the works they talk about on the show. Upcoming events: * Solo show at Flinders Lane Gallery, Melbourne, September 2017.  Details to be posted on the Gallery website. * DEN FAIR  contemporary design event, Melbourne, 8-10 June 2017 * Solo show at Australian Galleries, Sydney, 2018. Details to be posted on the Gallery website Links to things we talk about on the show: * Belynda Henry * Belynda Henry at Flinders Lane Gallery * Belynda Henry on Instagram * Wynne Prize * Archibald Prize * Carla Hananiah * Arthouse Gallery * Liquitex spray paint * Arches Paper * Louise Olsen * John Olsen * Belynda Henry on the Talking with Painters YouTube channel (below) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGBB75h2NCE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ul11Ew6il4w 'Bushland 3', gouache and pastel on Arches 640 gsm paper, 57 x 38cmhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ul11Ew6il4w 'Islands five', 2016, acrylic and pastel on polyester canvas, 218 x 171.5cm 'Mountain Study 5', gouache and watercolour on Arches 640 gsm paper, 38 x 29cm 'Louise Olsen, a beautiful summary', 2016, acrylic and pastel on polyester canvas, 157 x 116cm 'Garden Study 3', gouache, acrylic and pastel on 640gsm Arches paper, 78 x 58cm 'Overcast day', oil and pastel on canvas, 66cm x 66cm 'Ocean Study 1', gouache and watercolour on Arches paper, 38 x 28cm 'Valley Views',

Harley Oliver was introduced to art at an early age. Born in New Zealand, he grew up in London with a history of painters in his family. He started oil painting at the age of eight so it was no surprise that he ended up at the Wimbledon art school.  But he studied there in the late sixties and early seventies when painting landscapes, which he was exploring at the time, was not in fashion and certainly not encouraged. Harley’s interests then moved to film and television and in our conversation he talks about how his career as an editor and producer brought him ultimately to Australia. Along the way he has always found time for painting and in the last few years his art has taken centre stage. Since 2014 he has had two solo shows of his impressive work at Stanley Street Gallery in Sydney.   Links to things we talk about in the show: * Harley Oliver * Stanley Street Gallery * Wimbledon College of Arts * Gold or a blue dress? * Amanda Keller * Anh Do's Brush with Fame * Talking with Painters video clip of Harley Oliver on YouTube (below) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T72wOfeZrk8   'Red Carpet', 2014, oil on linen 'Queen Victoria', 2014, oil on linen 'They Married', 2016, oil on linen "She was a dancer', 2016, oil on linen 'Somebody's boyfriend', 2016, oil on linen 'They had red shoes', 2016, oil on linen 'I think he died', 2016, oil on linen 'Everybody Smoked', 2016, oil on linen Work in progress - studying reflections Portrait by Oliver's great great great grandfather Samuel Massey, of Massey's wife and child, c.1838

Alan Jones' work crosses over painting, sculpture and collage. His most recent show was of exquisite painted wooden collages, many of which depicted the coastal landscape of Moonee Beach in NSW. With 22 solo shows and over 130 group shows under his belt, Jones has received many awards, including the Kilgour Prize, Mosman Art prize, Paddington Art Prize and Brett Whiteley Travelling Scholarship and has been finalist in many others.  His portraits have been hung in Australia's prestigious Archibald Prize three times including last year with his portrait of Pat Corrigan. His work took a personal twist when he was living in Windsor near the Hawkesbury river in Sydney.  An amazing coincidence, which we talk about in this episode, set him on the path of exploring his ancestry and bringing his art closer to home. In this episode of the podcast, Jones also talks about his experiences of painting Pat Corrigan and Adam Goodes for the Archibald and gives insights into his process and techniques. You can see a short video clip of Jones in his studio taken on the day below Feature image: Alan Jones in his studio with painting, collage and soft sculpture. Upcoming Yellow House, Butt Naked Salon II, Sydney 29 November - 1 December 2017 Links to things and people we talk about in the show * Alan Jones * Alan Jones at Olsen Gallery * Wyalkatchem * National Art School * John Peart * Brett Whiteley * Richard Diebenkorn * Philip Guston * Kilgour prize * Mosman Art Prize * Archibald Prize * Pat Corrigan * Adam Goodes * Talking with Painters YouTube clip of Alan Jones in his studio (below) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdCnkDtAfKc Painting 172 (Moonee Beach), 2016, acrylic on board, 112.5cm x 70cm Robert Forrester #2, 2013, oil and acrylic on polyester, 194cm x 179cm Painting 131 (North Coogee), 2015, acrylic on linen, 112.5cm x 117.5cm Pat, 2016, acrylic on board, 153cm x 140cm Adam, 2014, oil and acrylic on linen, 171cm x 156cm Painting 207 (The Domain), 2016, acrylic on board, 86cm x 90cm 'This is Our Land Now #1', 2010-11, plywood and clocks, 263cm x 55cm x 55cm Wyalkatchem Hotel, 2011, plywood and hoop pine, (h)81cm x (w)308cm x (d)148cm  

Reg Mombassa, also known as Chris O’Doherty, has been exhibiting his paintings and drawings at Sydney’s Watters Gallery, nationally and internationally for over 40 years. In 2007 there was a major survey of his work at the SH Ervin Gallery in Sydney. He is also one of the leaders of a group of artists which created designs for the Mambo surf clothing label in the 80s and 90s.  A recent documentary aired on the ABC in Australia looked at those artists and their influential and anti authoritatrian approach. But of course Mombassa is renowned not only as an artist but also a musician. In 1976 he founded the iconic Australian band Mental as Anything with fellow art student Martin Plaza and in 1990 he formed his band Dog Trumpet with his brother Peter O’Doherty. The music in the introduction to this episode is from the song ‘Made in the World’ from their album Medicated Spirits. Mombassa has also had a creative input into major public events such as the Sydney Olympics closing ceremony and Sydney New Year's Eve celebrations and has won awards for his poster and album cover works. His paintings are held in ­major Australian art institutions including the National Portrait Gallery and the Art Gallery of NSW.   Upcoming shows and events * Upcoming Dog Trumpet gigs can be found here * Port Fairy Folk Festival 10-13 March 2017, Port Fairy, Victoria * Blue Mountains Music Festival , 17-19 March 2017, Blue Mountains NSW * Solo show at Watters gallery, 14 June - 1 July 2017, East Sydney, NSW Links to people and things we talk about in the show * Reg Mombassa (Chris O'Doherty) * 'Made in the World' - YouTube * Watters Gallery * Claudia O'Doherty * National Art School * Neil Evans * Martin Plaza * Mental as Anything * Peter O'Doherty * Dog Trumpet * Mambo: Art Irritates Life * Mambo Graphics * National Portrait Gallery * Art Gallery of NSW * Patrick White * The Landscapes of Reg Mombassa -  Antipodean Scenery: Views from the eyes of a car * Reg Mombassa's miniature paintings on the Talking with Painters YouTube Channel (below) * Reg Mombassa's sketchbooks on the Talking with Painters YouTube Channel (below) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkkvZnDPU-A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNikvjSVnek