Western Australian painter Greg Baker is poised for his latest and largest exhibition in years at the Atrium Gallery at Old Customs House in Fremantle from Friday August 29 to Thursday September 4.
The exhibition by this award-winning artist features 41 paintings, both oils and pastels, in series that reflect the beautiful Western Australian Coast: Burns Beach, Cottesloe, Swan River, Fremantle, Coogee, Woodman Point and Rottnest.
Greg, who is 74 years of age held his first solo exhibition 47 years ago. He began painting in 1978, going on to win several awards before exhibiting through galleries. He has averaged one to two solo exhibitions per year since 1978, exhibiting on four continents, his work is in corporate and private collections worldwide.
He has a particularly thorough understanding of his subject matter with an all- encompassing passion. Greg has surrounded himself with the local landscape by choosing to live where he paints and it has been his motivation for producing this large exhibition. Whether painting from a boat in the bays of Rottnest or painting various locations he has discovered up and down the immediate coastline painting any image that’s inspired him and putting his own spin on it.
Some of his paintings portray him imagining flying over the Swan River with Pelicans. He has also experimented with depths of field in his paintings, introducing a number of focal points within a traditional landscape. Detailed foreground subjects with backgrounds also in focus, going against accepted norms of focal length, test the eyes of the observer.
Textures and patterns in the movement of water have always fascinated Greg. He uses various implements while creating his paintings in oils or pastels. His unique technique has viewers convinced the water in his works is actually moving – testament to his talent. Others have commented that his paintings are like installing a window and enjoying the view.
“In a busy world I hope that my paintings can offer a place of calm and contemplation,” Greg said.
Exhibition Details
Location: Atrium Gallery, Old Customs House, 8 Phillimore Street, Fremantle
Dates: Opening Thursday August 28, Exhibition runs August 29 to September 4
Times: 12-4pm daily
More information and exhibition images at www.gregbaker.com.au
