In Aetherial Realms: Landscapes of Light and Stillness, Kris Ancog presents a captivating solo exhibition that explores the subtle yet profound dialogue between nature and light. This body of work delves into the ethereal beauty of sunsets, sweeping aerial vistas, and the soft glow of early morning scenes, all of which evoke a deep sense of tranquility and meditation.

Ancog’s approach to painting is deeply rooted in classical technique, reminiscent of the Old Masters. Each piece is rendered in layers of paint that build rich textures and atmospheric depth, inviting viewers into a contemplative space. The luminosity of his work, achieved through painstaking glazing and layering, captures the mystical, almost otherworldly quality of light. Whether it is the warm hues of a fading sun or the delicate glow of dawn, Ancog’s paintings transcend their subjects, reaching into the metaphysical aspects of light.

These landscapes are not mere representations of nature but meditations on light’s symbolic power. Through his work, Ancog reflects on light as a metaphor for hope, renewal, and the cycles of life. The interplay between shadow and illumination becomes a visual manifestation of the soul’s journey, offering viewers a space to pause and reflect on their own experiences.

With its transcendent calm and luminous beauty, Aetherial Realms brings forth a sense of stillness, inviting each viewer to reconnect with the profound peace found in nature’s light. These paintings serve as both windows into the natural world and doorways to the inner self, offering a message of hope, reflection, and the possibility of renewal.

Location: Aarwun Gallery, 11 Federation Sq, O’Hanlon Pl, Nicholls, ACT

Come along to the 2024 National Contemporary Public Exhibition

Three categories will be on display

• Open

• First Nations

• Sustainability

Plus:  People’s Choice Award Winner

When: 26 September – 13 October 2024

Time: Daily between 10 am – 4 pm

Where: Aarwun Gallery, 11 Federation Square Gold Creek

Cost: Free

This exhibition explores the idea of chance versus fate. Sometimes we drift into things, sometimes we are faced with a series of decisions, and we never know what would have happened if we had taken the alternative. In art as in life, you have to take risks.

Multiple images take us beyond the surface of things, suggesting alternate scenarios, secrets or hidden truths. They combine images from past, present and possible futures, some real, some imagined, with endless alternatives and interpretations. The viewer is invited to create their own narratives based on personal experiences and perspectives. 

This "what if" question is one that haunts many of us, and reflects the inherent uncertainty and mystery of life itself.

Colour in motion is an exhibition works based on my observations on and around Lake Burley Griffin. I find myself like a bird watcher or trainspotter following the nuances and beauty of each mercurial glimmer.

Click HERE to view this exhibition online

Portraying the whimsical side of woe is a well established form of self-analysis and expression for many artists, past and present. For example, Ensor, Schiele, Goya, etc. A title like ‘It only hurts when I laugh!’ would make a good sub-title for many of the paintings in this latest collection by John A Rowe. Varying degrees of emotional memories and imagined comical scenarios are expressed imaginatively through Rowe’s usual intertwined British sense of humour, thrown in with a more than generous helping of nervous anxiety. Abstract mark-making combined with figurative story-telling… well and truly shaken, but never, ever stirred!

Click HERE to view this exhibition online

Welcome to "Nature's Palette: A Journey Through Landscapes," an extraordinary exhibition showcasing the masterful oil paintings of artist Peter Yu. Through a meticulous blend of color, light, and texture, Yu invites you to embark on a visual odyssey through the beauty of natural landscapes.

Each canvas breathes with a unique vitality, capturing serene mountain vistas, tranquil lakeside scenes, and the vibrant hues of autumnal forests. Yu's keen eye for detail and profound appreciation for nature are evident in every brushstroke, offering viewers a profound connection to the landscapes depicted.

From the mist-shrouded peaks that whisper ancient tales to the sun-dappled meadows that evoke a sense of peace, Yu's artworks transcend mere representation, inviting contemplation and reflection. Whether portraying the grandeur of untouched wilderness or the quiet solitude of a secluded beach, each painting resonates with a deep reverence for the Earth's diverse landscapes.

Join us as we celebrate the harmonious blend of artistry and nature in "Nature's Palette: A Journey Through Landscapes," and immerse yourself in the captivating world of Peter Yu's oil paintings.

Alice began painting and drawing from a very young age and because her childhood was spent in Japan, all her original aesthetic sensibility was developed there. Alice inter-mixes realism and ‘unrealism’ in her own particular way.

A very strong strand of interest for Alice is her love of the natural living world. This is evident in all her works which are filled with animals and plants of every kind. Alice has no fear of strong and bright colour and her paintings are saturated with pattern, colour and light.

‘Imagine ‘ brings together recent paintings by Alice, many of which are sometimes intensely energetic and always colourful. The aesthetic culture of Japan, which Alice absorbed during her childhood years in Tokyo and  Kyoto and in her travels in Europe and other parts of Asia, have all melded together to give her work a unique language of structure, imagination and colour. In these paintings Alice combines striking realism with vivid imagined landscapes.

Gallery 3

Opening Sat 20th July 2pm-4pm

This exhibition by watercolour artist Sandra Hendy is aptly named “FAVOURITE PLACES AND SPACES”. “Variety is the spice of life,” could be attributed to this collection considering the diversity of subjects and styles displayed. Each of these paintings are contemporary in nature, stylish and sophisticated in approach, and creative and imaginary in execution and by taking a subject and approaching each one in an individual style makes for an interesting variety when grouped together.

Eye catching cloisonné paint, paper collage, watercolour and pen work are signature markings of Sandra’s paintings, transforming them from one of general interest to greater scrutiny.

Click HERE to view this exhibition online

Date: Sat 8th & Sun 9th June 2024

Time: 9:00am to 4:30pm (Please arrive 5 minutes before the class starts)

Location: Aarwun Gallery

Teacher: Ted Lewis

Please click HERE for more details

This exhibition showcases some of Ted Lewis’ favourite subjects from over the years. He takes pleasure in painting the vibrant, bold colours of Central Australia, the majestic gum trees, and the morning mists of the Forbes area, NSW. This collection includes scenes of an old property with haystacks and sheds from Barmah on the Murray River. Many of his paintings depict country scenes around Ophir, featuring country roads and lanes, and gum trees. These subjects, particularly the gums are very reminiscent of the wonderful gums painted by Hans Heysen, morning mists, and the ever-changing colours and moods of this country, are what Ted loves to capture.

Exhibition Opening: Sat 8th June 2:00-4:00pm at Aarwun Gallery

*RSVP’s required

Please Click HERE to view this exhibition online

Cloud Contemplation is an exploration of travel experiences and imaginative formations intertwining. Each canvas encapsulates a recollection of gliding through textured clouds while marvelling at the vibrant city streaks below. This reflected experience, parallel to the meticulously applied textured paint on canvas, shows an interconnection where memory, imagination, and the tangible world seamlessly meld together.

Embedded within my artistic practice is the dynamic spontaneity inherent in abstract expressionism. I paint with palette knives which allow me to craft textural marks, expressive gestures, and elevate the interplay of colours, depth, and movement in these works. These characteristics are shown in the Cloud Contemplation pieces.

“Fading light, the grain of timber, fabric, air and ground. Through these paintings I hope to bring the serenity and wonder of the natural environment into our constructed spaces; a beautiful reminder of our interdependence on this world.”

Exhibition Opening: 2-4pm Sat 9th March 2024

Opening RSVP please click here

Nature, man, space, spirituality, beauty, harmony, architecture, music, mathematics, geometry, feelings, memories, experiences, all together in every single brushstroke for many brushstrokes that recreate everything where I, a painter, exist like the bee or the mountain.

 I wish I could look at everything in one moment, to be able to paint everything in the same painting, to feel everything without forgetting anything. 

Exhibition Opening: 2-4pm Sat 9th March

Opening RSVP please click here

I’ve always been fascinated by texture in artworks. You just want to reach out and touch it. All those abstracted marks and random accidents that happen when you push and pull textured materials around a canvas or across a board. It’s a kind of magic that forms some amazing touches and characteristics. I find these effects stunning to look at and notice they often mimic the natural textures we see every day in the landscape.

Other surfaces, including super smooth glossy resins also just intrigue me. That ’magpie eye’ for smooth and shiny things is somehow engrained in people, myself included. A crystal clear lake or gently flowing stream has that similar look and feel in nature.

With these fascinations in mind, I’ve added and mixed these textural extremes together in to create the artworks for this exhibition “Tactile, Textured Terrain”

Exhibition opening: 2-4pm Sat 9 March 2024

Opening RSVP please click here

Introduction to the Vitruvian Tree

I draw imagined trees and mythical landscapes. Sometimes my landscapes are stoney. Sometimes the landscapes are burned. Sometimes the trees survive, damaged but still standing, with the stones alongside them. My work in this exhibition shows it all.

In ‘Vitruvian Tree’ I have drawn an old and majestic tree, undamaged by Man or Nature. It is perhaps my version of an ‘iconic tree’. I was inspired by ‘Vitruvian Man’, the famous drawing by Leonardo da Vinci, based on the work of the Roman architect Vitruvius, in 1 BC. 1,500 years later Leonardo used the proportions given by an overlayed circle and square to draw an ideal man. I have used the same forms to draw an ideal tree. 

I work in fine-tipped pigment ink pens on cotton rag paper. The papers are of varying textures and tones, the pens of varying tip size and flow. The final drawings are a detailed melding of the inks as they settle into and inhabit the cotton fibres of the paper: similar to the roots of tree holding to the earth. 

Exhibition Opening: 2-4pm Sat 9 March 2024

Opening RSVP please click here

Join award winning pastel artist Janet Thatcher for an introductory two day workshop and learn how to paint striking wildlife portraits.  In this class Janet will take you through step by step the art of pastels and everything you will need to know to get started.  Then how to put these skills into creating your very own animal portrait.  

For class Booking please click HERE

Class date: Sat 25th & Sun 26th November

Class time: 10:00am-4:00pm

*Lunch, morning & afternoon tea will be provided* 

Day 1: Basics and understanding the art of pastels

Day 2: Creating a beautiful portrait

All materials needed for the workshop will be provided in studio and supplies will be available to purchase on the day if you would like to take some home. Pastels are addictive after all! 

Exciting news! We have teamed up with ACT wildlife and award winning pastel artist Janet Thatcher for a special WILDLIFE RAFFLE!

Be a hero by supporting this wildlife RAFFLE, be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Every ticket purchased assists ACT wildlife to Rescue, Rehabilitate, and Release wildlife.

*Tickets are available for purchase from now on*

For tickets purchase please click HERE (1 ticket for $4.00 or 3 tickets for $10.00)

RAFFLE PRIZE:

1. Original pastel painting by Janet Thatcher (framed), valued at $2,500.00. (1 winner)

2. One framing voucher valued at $100.00 from The Framers, Gold Creek. (3 winners)

3. One framing voucher valued at $50.00 from The Framers, Gold Creek. (5 winners)

Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone (Ph: 0499 107 887) or at Aarwun Gallery, the winning tickets will be drawn on 17th Dec 2023, at the end of the exhibition.

GET YOUR RAFFLE TICKETS TODAY: 1 ticket for $4.00 or 3 tickets for $10.00.

Let’s make a difference together by supporting ACT Wildlife!

In this two day Acrylics master class, you will be learning how to negotiate the rewarding medium of acrylic paint. Learn how to block in, layer, scumble, glaze and much, much more with artist Leigh D Walker. In this 2-day workshop you will be exploring still life and landscape painting.

Class date: 28th & 29th October

Class time: 10:00am-4:00pm

*Lunch, morning & afternoon tea will be provided*

Click HERE for class booking.

Exhibition dates: 20 Oct - 19 Nov

Location: Aarwun Gallery, 11 Federation Sq, O’Hanlon Pl, Nicholls, ACT

To view this exhibition online please click HERE

Kris Ancog's inaugural solo exhibition at Aarwun Gallery unveils a mesmerizing collection of paintings that beckon viewers to submerge themselves in ethereal abstract landscapes. Termed meditative dreamscapes by the artist himself, "Sacred Realm" offers a haven of tranquility amidst the tumultuous backdrop of our frenetic modern existence—a reflection of our perennial pursuit of meaning and inner peace.

At the heart of Ancog's creations lies a profound mastery in capturing dramatic sunsets and illuminating them with an exquisite play of light—a hallmark of his artistic prowess. His deft use of vibrant colours and alluring contrasts imbues each piece with an unmistakable sense of depth and transcendence. Employing acrylics as the initial medium of choice, Ancog meticulously constructs the organic foundations of these abstract landscapes, layer by layer. The subsequent layers of oil paints lend his works a captivating translucence, reminiscent of the techniques employed by the classical masters, yet imbued with a distinctly contemporary sensibility.

"Sacred Realm" by Kris Ancog encapsulates the essence of the sublime. Drawing inspiration from the natural world's luminous beauty and an imagined sacred realm, this exhibition aspires to evoke the profound enigma of what lies beyond our comprehension. It beckons us to pause, to introspect, and to surrender ourselves to an enchanting universe. In this captivating journey, we discover a profound appreciation for our inherent connection with nature, ultimately leading us to a profound sense of oneness.

About

The annual National Capital Art Prize is the first Australia-wide competition for artworks of any subject.

National Capital Art Prize acknowledges the traditional custodians of this land on which we meet, work and live. We recognise and respect their continuing connection to the land, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Elders past and present and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

Learn the secrets of how to paint beautiful and imaginative landscapes.

In this two day master class, Ted Lewis, now one of Australia's leading and respected oil painters. Ted will share with you his wealth of knowledge and experience in painting our wonderful Australian landscape.

Click HERE to book now

Date: Sat 29th & Sun 30th July 2023

Time: 10:00am to 4:30pm (Please arrive 5 minutes before the class starts)

Location: Aarwun Gallery

Teacher: Ted Lewis

Exhibition opening: Sat 22 July 2:00 - 4:00 pm at Aarwun Gallery.

Exhibition dates: 22 July - 13 August

For opening RSVP please click Here

Animalia is the scientific name for one of the great families of living organisms on Earth. Almost all of Sophie’s paintings depict animal life. In this exhibit she has included a selection of new works inspired by both her ongoing relationship with Japan and Japanese art and her love of nature and animals. In many of Sophie’s works, including those in this exhibition, the central image is set against a scheme of coloured squares or rectangles. These shapes and colours represent the traditional way of using squares of gold leaf applied across the backgrounds of large Japanese painted internal doors. Because traditional Japanese architecture had no glazing, the deep internal spaces were dark, and the gold leaf had the effect of adding reflected light. Gold is incorporated into many traditional Japanese arts and crafts because of its beauty and relative abundance in Japan.

About the Artist

Sophie was born in Tokyo, Japan, and grew up in Kyoto. She studied environmental science at university; and much of her work is linked to this background of scientific education and her childhood in Japan. Sophie has been fortunate enough to travel widely both within Australia as well as Europe, East Asia and the Pacific. Many of her paintings are of animals that she has seen in the wild or animals that have fascinated her. Because of Sophie’s interest in science and scientific training, she creates images in her unique colour schemes, while always remaining as faithful as she can to the actual morphology of her animal subject. She maintains strong links to Japan and continues to visit often. Many of Sophie’s most characteristic works are her unique re-interpretations of traditional Japanese images, as well as European works of art.

Exhibition opening: Sat 22 July 2:00 - 4:00 pm at Aarwun Gallery.

Exhibition dates: 22 July - 13 August

For opening RSVP please click Here

This exhibit brings together a selection of Lucy’s most recent work, much of which was specifically inspired by her love of music. Lucy is always listening to music while she paints, and the music has a direct effect on the composition, structure and mood of each of her works. Lucy has an extremely eclectic taste in music. She has always felt that music and painting are the closest art forms, because the structures that lace together musical compositions and paintings are essentially there to enhance an emotional effect for the audience. Once we have heard music or seen a painting, we can carry it in our minds forever.

About the Artist

Lucy is almost exclusively a figure painter; and although some of her works are true self-portraits, many have evolved to be a psychological exposition of an inner moment. She studied classical voice and piano. Like music, Lucy’s work conveys an emotional expression rather than a didactic statement, with the emotional quality expressed through colour, line and form. Drawing is the creative foundation for all of Lucy’s work. She draws constantly in ink on paper. These drawings often evolve into larger watercolour or oil paintings. Lucy values the original drawings as works of art in themselves and does not think of them as preliminary studies. She also has a longstanding interest in myths and mythology.

Exhibition opening: Sat 22 July 2:00 - 4:00 pm at Aarwun Gallery.

Exhibition dates: 22 July - 13 August

For opening RSVP please click Here

Luminescence is the spontaneous emission of light through chemical reactions. This exhibit brings together recent paintings by Alice Pulvers that are all intensely energetic and  colourful. The chemistry of paint is at work in each of these works. The aesthetic culture of Japan, which Alice absorbed during her childhood years in Tokyo and  Kyoto and in her travels in Europe and other parts of Asia, have all melded together to give her work a unique language of structure, imagination and colour. In these paintings Alice combines striking realism with vivid imagined landscapes.

About the Artist

Alice was born in Tokyo, Japan and spent much of her childhood in Kyoto. This early period of her life profoundly affected her visual imagination and reflects the dominating obsession of Japanese art as it depicts the natural world. Alice has also had the opportunity to spend extended periods living in Paris, as well as travelling in Germany, the UK, China and Singapore. The art Alice saw on her travels has melded in her painting, which is filled with images of air, water, animal and plant life. She recreates the strange relationships between the way we as humans experience our world and the forces of the universe acting upon our sense of reality. In Alice’s work, elements of naturalism, such as birds, fish, cattle and cats, appear in two-dimensional schematic landscapes. These are reminiscent of the way Japanese art flattens and arranges landscapes. Water birds appear frequently in her paintings. Alice has a fascination with these special birds, which can swim under the water, float on the water, walk on the land and fly in the air. In this way they transcend the forces of nature that confine many other living things, including ourselves.