“I have always lived with art, not as an occupation, rather it is a passion that has been curated from a very young age.”
– Roscoe Shelton
A life lived embedded in art. My father was a talented artist, a student of Max Meldrum back in the 1950’s. I recall a number of trips where Dad would set up his easel and in a matter of hours had produced a lovely landscape.
After his passing, as a young engineering student, I took my first steps to establish a small collection and tried my hand at a couple of canvasses. I have a lovely collection.
I learn from the close understanding of some great painters. The Fred Williams and Arthur Boyds, The Arthur Streetons and the Clarice Beckett’s etc, Cezzanne.
In terms of style, I see that each had skills that are particularly good in representing landscapes. Williams in the outback, Beckett in the fading light etc.
There is a discipline to painting that appeals.
I love the outback; my painting brings a learning and an understanding. of the landscape. I want my paintings to reflect that understanding and emotion..
I think I do my best work when absolutely immersed in a landscape; where its’ very essence cuts through to the bone. It’s not easy to explain, but if I think about my favourite works, say, at Arkaroola – the dying trees etc., you get to reflect on the cycle of life, 300 year old trees under stress. Is it the challenge of climate change? Are we witnessing the end of an epoch or is this just another phase? The cycle of life in the outback is much longer than a humans lifetime. You feel humbled by it, you marvel at it, you trust that it survives.
