Image above: Julian Twigg pictured at Nobbys Lighthouse. Image courtesy of the artist.
Julian Twigg has recently completed a two-week artist residency at Lighthouse Arts, Newcastle, during which he painted the view from his studio atop Nobbys Lighthouse, which looks out over the city of Newcastle and towards the ocean beyond.
Interior view of Twigg’s artist studio, Nobbys Lighthouse. Image courtesy of the artist.
“As a maritime painter, the residency was a perfect fit for me. I paint from observation, and the vantage point on top of Nobbys gave me a new perspective as I viewed the ships and tugs from above as they travelled to and from Newcastle.”
Works in progress at Twigg’s artist studio at Nobbys Lighthouse. Image courtesy of the artist.
“As this was a new location for me, I needed to do a lot of drawing and oil sketches to familiarise myself with the area. I ended up with a mixed body of work, ranging from small studies on paper to larger and more resolved paintings with thick gestural marks built up through a layering process.”
“During the residency, I stayed with a friendly couple who live within walking distance of Nobbys Lighthouse. John is a retired marine engineer from Yorkshire who has worked on tugs and ships in different ports in Australia and around the world. At the end of a day’s painting, we would talk about the ships that had frequented the Port of Newcastle that day, and he would tell me their names and functions and explain how the tugs operated. They and the rest of the locals I met during my stay were so hospitable and welcoming, I really integrated into the community during that time.”
“This residency was a great opportunity for me. Although I am a Melbourne-based painter, every second year I hold an exhibition in Sydney, and for this purpose I travel to New South Wales to paint local scenes. This residency enabled me to produce work for my forthcoming exhibition at Australian Galleries in Paddington in February 2023.”
Lighthouse Arts is a not-for-profit organisation and multi-arts activation of Nobbys-Whibayganba headland cottages supporting the region’s unique and diverse arts, culture and tourism. The initiative is led by a diverse group of cultural leaders who seek to celebrate Awabakal culture, historic and maritime heritage, and provide a safe and collaborative space for local creatives while celebrating the region’s iconic landmark.
Lighthouse Arts provides a supportive artist residency program inviting a diverse range of creatives to work in an inspiring and historic workspace. For more information about studio spaces, visit the Lighthouse Arts website.
To enquire about the featured works, please contact Australian Galleries at enquiries@australiangalleries.com.au.