- Your Hunter Valley Magazine
Nature's Eye Witness
From the paintbrush of Australia’s finest wildlife artist, James Hough comes an extraordinary exhibition at Morpeth Gallery this August – and it's sure to be one that shouldn’t be missed.
Held over two weeks from Thurs 20–Sun 23 August and then again from Thurs 27–Sun 30 August (10am–5pm each day), this will be the first-ever solo exhibition of James Hough works. With the artist in residence during his eight-day exhibition, painting and chatting to visitors, this is your opportunity to see a master of art at work.
"I have been at this art career now professionally for seventeen years, and in my sixtieth birth year, I have decided to celebrate what I like doing most with this my first solo exhibition. On show and for sale will be 55 paintings (large and small), ranging in price from $1,200 to $15,000," said James.
James said that the body of work he had reserved for this exhibition was quite substantial and consisted of many paintings that he felt particularly proud of, including those produced when Aussie Ark Tasmanian Devil Sanctuary provided exclusive access to wildlife for referencing.
“This close interaction with many endangered species has helped to further open my eyes to the importance of the conservation effort needed for the future,” said James.
“Every single part of each painting in the exhibition, from each leaf to every old post, limb and wildlife species has been referenced by me. Reference trips in the 4WD seeking out all those meandering “out the back” gravel roads and bushland reserves on the hunt for unique and authentic props and countless hours spent waiting and watching for wildlife are all part of the process.”
James added that every now and then, opportunities had presented themselves to him that were both exciting and rewarding.
“During 2019, Australian Geographic invited me to submit images for the production of the 2020 Art Calendar. Australian Geographic again invited me to produce thirteen images for the 2021 Art Calendar, and all of these original paintings will form part of this show,” he said.
“The past few years have brought considerable international recognition, giving my art more credibility, not only internationally but also here at home. I am a signature member of Artists for Conservation the world’s leading wildlife artists group dedicated to supporting the environment and have been awarded a number of their highest awards including Best in Show and Medals of Excellence. I have been a finalist in the International Artists Magazine Wildlife Art Challenge and had my artwork published in many other forms.
“Like most artists that have had a solo exhibition, it represents the culmination of years of painting, exhibiting and promoting your work to the stage where you have enough credibility to stand more firmly on your own feet. I look forward immensely to this exhibition.”
Visit the exhibition this month August for your chance to win a family pass (two adults + two children) to Devils Ark at Barrington Tops for a guided tour worth $500. For more information about the exhibition, visit www.facebook.com/pg/morpethgallery/events
