The colour, texture and size of his work often strike people, who see Mark Gawne’s paintings for the first time. Mark’s semi-abstract modern landscapes reflect the starkness and colour of the Australian outback, with foregrounds that dominate the canvas in the vibrant colours of the red centre, or the strong browns and golds of Queensland’s far west.

New Zealand-born, Mark studied art in Victoria in the late 1980’s and has a Masters degree in Fine Art. He has always painted, experimenting with different mediums and styles, but it wasn’t until an outback holiday in 1999 that his direction in art changed completely.

“I was struck by the starkness and the enormity of the landscape and the colour that seemed to saturate

everything. I immediately thought of painting big, colourful canvases”  

Possessing a strong tactile sense, Mark believes texture is an important part of his work and encourages people to touch his paintings.  Mark attributes his early style to Fred Williams, Arthur Boyd, Robert Juniper and Brett Whitely. Mark’s art continues to evolve and sell worldwide.

By Rosalie Spencer

Artists Inspiration

" I draw my inspiration from the Australian outback, its grandeur, colour and wildlife. Many of my paintings start with an acrylic sketch painted on site and are then enlarged and painted in oils back at the studio. I love the outback excursions most of all; camping under the stars on a riverbed or in the bush for days on end; Kangaroos staring at you whilst you go about your business; watching the crocodiles bake in the sun; Wedge Tailed Eagles hovering over their prey; the graceful flight of the Brolga; the loud shrieks of Black Cockatoos; a chance meeting with a Bee Eater or King Fisher;

Campfire dinners; climbing a hillside or an early morning ice cold bath in a creek or gorge.

Total peace and quiet."

Prizes and Exhibitions

1995 - Runner up - Cairns Regional Show, Oil painting section
1999 - Winner Peoples Choice - Cairns Art Society Annual Exhibition
2000 - Winner Painting Section - Inaugural Dr Edward Koch Exhibition
2000 - Finalist Australian Artist Magazine, Landscape Challenge
2001 - Finalist Australian Artist Magazine, Wildlife Challenge
2001 - Group Exhibition - Libby Edwards Galleries Melbourne
2002 - Solo Exhibition - Libby Edwards Galleries Melbourne
2003 – Tattersalls Art Prize Exhibition – Tattersalls Club, Brisbane

Publications

October 1999 - Cairns Post article
March 2000 - Cairns Post feature
August 2000 - Australian Artist Magazine
September 2000 - Australian Artist Magazine
November 2000 - Australian Artist Magazine feature
June 2001 - Aust. Artist Magazine
December 2002 – ‘Master Painters of Australia’ Feature, Australian Artist Magazine

Corporate Collections

More Chambers -Brisbane
Simkin Group - Sydney

Consultants and Dealers in Fine Art

Marina Mirage Seaworld Drive Main Beach Qld 4217 Australia

Telephone: 61 7 5571 0077  Fax: 61 7 5526 4260   Hours 7 Days 10am - 5.30pm

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