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SAT 6 JUNE 2026 | 2-4PM
Colin Parker comes from a long line of artisans and artists. One could say that it was almost inevitable that he was destined to be a painter.
Colin's grandfather established SA Parkers in Sydney in 1917, and this soon became the artistic centre for artists such as Streeton and Roberts who used to row across from Curlew Camp to order frames and replenish their painting supplies. In fact, Sydney Albert Parker used his initiative to dismantle cedar doors and provide these small timber panels to Streeton and Roberts, and some of these paintings have become the most iconic and desirable pictures depicting Sydney Harbour.
Colin was born in 1941. There are a number of works in the present exhibition that show the prodigious nature of the artist, one being painted when he was only thirteen years of age depicting Pittwater. At an early age, he saw the impressive light filled landscape paintings by these early Impressionists in Australia, and committed himself to emulate their technique. The plein air technique of painting directly from Nature was not new. However, Colin wanted to create a singular and unique vision, one that was his own; and this is no easy task. He has spent a lifetime, and we can add that it has been an accomplished and long one, where one can view a Parker painting from a distance and it can be recognised as being that artists work without looking at the signature. I believe this to be a benchmark of success and achievement if an artist is able to produce something so individual that it is immediately recognisable.
Importantly, he did not seek to replicate the early Australian artists, but instead set a deliberate path to capture the vibrancy and variation of the Australian landscape through his own perception.
His career and achievements are exemplary. He has exhibited in the Wynne, Archibald and Sulman exhibitions at the AGNSW, and other exhibitions too numerous to list here. These exhibitions were held in the UK, Canada, Spain and across all cities in Australia. He has been Artist in Residence at both Uluru and Kakadu. Colin was the President of the Royal Art Society for five years in the 1990’s, and was a formative influence guiding the Society forward. He encouraged, as President of the RAS, the acceptance of all forms of visual expression, not simply representational art. He was a well respected art judge. He was always known for his honesty and integrity both as an individual and in his artwork.
Early on in Colin's artistic endeavours, the idea of a picnic lunch for two while painting on location using his VW Beetle to transport himself and his gear seemed rather idealistic. It was a great perk, and was far more liberating and fun than a brief spell where he sold vacuum cleaners door to door! Colin developed and refined a singular vision that was idiosyncratic. Within the traditional art world, he became increasingly sought after and had many sellout exhibitions. Colin quickly made a name for himself depicting various aspects of the Australian landscape and folklore. The isolation of the outback depicting large threatening skies and introducing a human element was an important theme in his paintings. Equally, country Pubs and farmyard homesteads in late afternoon light epitomised and reflected the popular vision of Australia that many people could identify with, and you didn’t need an essay explaining what the painting was about. The palpable nature of Colin's paintings were largely a result of direct contact with nature, expressing something that can be seen and felt. He travelled extensively searching for subjects that resonate with the uniqueness of this enormous continent that we call home. He took his paints O/S and this variation in subject, colour and light is evidence of his commitment to searching out landscapes and discerning their essence.
Colin Parker shows a clear and abundant talent for painting. Even in his eighties he still continues to paint everyday. In the most honest and humble way, he is a simple story teller, creating remarkable images heartfelt and sincere leaving a visual legacy that will endure. Whether it is a painting portraying fishermen on a beach at low tide, or a rugged mountain escarpment, there can be no doubt about the artist's integrity and commitment to shaping and reflecting the Australian psyche in paint.
Ken Knight 2026