Over the last couple of days I have posted my favourite paintings from the Archibald Prize Exhibition 2017 at Newcastle Art Gallery. Today is a photo of my third favourite painting.
You really have to see this painting in person to get the full effect. It is a collage of different materials, a very clever painting.
The write up next to the painting is as follows:
Noel Thurgate chose Peter Powditch as a subject out of admiration for his achievements as an artist - 'as well as the undeniable fact that he has a great head'.
'The assemblage of materials and textures in the painting are a tribute to Peter's magician-like abilities with masonite, empty cigarette packets and other found objects,' says Thurgate.
'Peter is a superb draftsman, especially when it comes to drawing the human face. He is one of those rare artists able to combine the complexities of the largely unseen inner dynamics of the figure with the visible external contours; and do it with incredible sensitivity and simplicity - just curved lines and straight lines.'
As someone who has spent a lifetime drawing from the figure and teaching life drawing, I can confidently say that it is bloody hard The entire composition of this painting is underscored by a similar interplay of straight and curved lines.'
Born in 1955, Thurgate lives and works in Berrima in the NSW Southern Highlands. He has over 30 years experience exhibiting and teaching. This included nine years as head of drawing at the National Art School, Sydney. He was an Archibald finalist for three consecutive years from 1977.
Tomorrow I will post the winning painting of the Archibald Prize 2017. See which of the ones I have posted this week you think should be the winner.
Stunning piece of work , the detail in the face and hands is sublime . He is in a conversation and listening and digesting what is said to him ! Wonderful and a fav
I saw this exhibition in Geelong last year...some very interesting portraits and mediums used. I notice that an artist friend of mine has her portrait hung in the Archibald this year...she is 84 years old and someone painted her portrait. I think you selected three very interesting portraits to feature on your 365 pages.
