Australia has many talented painters, but some of the best known include: It's a hard call but in 2023, let's have an 'ArtMarkets' jab!
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Pro Hart MBE (30 May 1928 – 28 March 2006) - a well-known Australian painter, known for his colourful landscapes and vibrant depictions of the Australian outback. He was a member of the influential Brushmen of the Bush group of artists and has had a significant impact on the Australian art scene.
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Sidney Nolan OM AC CBE RA (22 April 1917 – 28 November 1992) - considered one of the most important painters in Australian art history. He was born in 1917 in Melbourne, Australia and became famous for his series of paintings inspired by the Australian bushranger and outlaw, Ned Kelly. He was a versatile artist and experimented with various styles, including surrealism, abstraction and figurative art. His contribution to Australian art is widely recognized and he has had a profound impact on the development of Australian art in the 20th century.
- Fred Williams OBE (23 January 1927 – 22 April 1982) - considered one of the most significant Australian painters of the 20th century. He was born in 1927 in Melbourne, Australia and is known for his unique approach to landscape painting. He was fascinated by the Australian landscape and focused on capturing the essence of the country's natural beauty, particularly in his depictions of the rugged and diverse terrain of the Australian Outback. His work is highly sought after and has been the subject of numerous exhibitions and retrospectives, both in Australia and internationally.
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Adam Cullen - (9 October 1965 – 28 July 2012) - a contemporary Australian painter known for his bold and expressionistic style. He was born in 1965 in Sydney, Australia and was recognized for his distinctive approach to portraiture and still life paintings. He often employed a vibrant and highly textured palette, combined with a raw and impasto technique, to produce powerful and emotive works of art. He was the recipient of numerous awards (including the Archibald) and accolades for his contributions to the Australian art scene, and continues to be a prominent figure in the Australian art world.
- Emily Kngwarreye (or Emily Kam Ngwarray) (1910 – 3 September 1996) - a highly influential Australian Indigenous painter. She was born in 1910 in the Utopia region of the Northern Territory, Australia and is considered one of the greatest painters of the 20th century. She is best known for her vibrant and colorful abstract paintings that are inspired by her traditional Anmatyerre culture and the landscapes of her homeland. Her work has been highly sought after and has been the subject of numerous exhibitions and retrospectives, both in Australia and internationally. She continues to be an important figure in the Australian art world and her contributions to Indigenous art are widely recognized and celebrated.
- Tom Roberts (8 March 1856 – 14 September 1931) - considered one of the most important Australian painters of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was born in England in 1856 but immigrated to Australia as a child. He is best known for his iconic Australian landscapes, which capture the essence of the country's natural beauty and its people. He was a founding member of the famous Heidelberg School of artists and was a key figure in the development of Australian Impressionism. His work continues to be highly sought after and his contributions to the Australian art scene are widely recognized and celebrated.
- Margaret Olley AC (24 June 1923 – 26 July 2011) - was an influential Australian painter and still life artist. She was born in 1923 in Lismore, New South Wales and is best known for her vibrant and colorful still life paintings. She was a master of the genre and her paintings are characterized by their rich and textured surfaces, and the play of light and shadow. She was a beloved figure in the Australian art world and her contributions to the development of Australian painting have been widely recognized and celebrated. Her work continues to be highly sought after and she is widely regarded as one of Australia's greatest artists.
- Arthur Streeton (8 April 1867 – 1 September 1943) - a prominent Australian Impressionist painter. He was born in 1867 in Melbourne, Australia and is best known for his iconic Australian landscapes and seascapes. He was a founding member of the famous Heidelberg School of artists and was a key figure in the development of Australian Impressionism. His paintings are characterized by their luminous color, impressionistic brushwork, and the use of light to evoke a sense of atmosphere and mood. His work continues to be highly sought after and his contributions to the Australian art scene are widely recognized and celebrated.
- Lloyd Rees AC CMG (17 March 1895 – 2 December 1988) - an important Australian landscape painter. He was born in 1895 in Brisbane, Australia and is best known for his peaceful and contemplative depictions of the Australian landscape. He was a prominent figure in the modernist movement in Australian art and his work is characterized by its strong sense of form, color, and light. He was also a noted watercolorist and was recognized for his ability to capture the subtle tonal qualities of the landscape in his works. His contributions to the Australian art scene are widely recognized and celebrated and his work continues to be highly sought after.
- Brett Whiteley AO (7 April 1939 – 15 June 1992) - a prominent Australian painter and sculptor. He was born in 1939 in Sydney, Australia and is best known for his highly expressive and imaginative paintings, which range from abstract to figurative works. He was a versatile artist who experimented with a wide range of styles and mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and printmaking. He was recognized for his bold and innovative approach to art, and his contributions to the Australian art scene have been widely recognized and celebrated. Despite his untimely death in 1992, his work continues to be highly sought after and he remains an important figure in the Australian art world.
In 2023, who would be your number one pick for 'Australia's most popular artist'? I'll go with my favourites - Andrew Baines and Max Mannix.
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