Portrait of Julian Twigg by Peter Lamont
Filmmaker Peter Lamont of Handmade Films has created a wonderful short film on the art practice of Julian Twigg.
This insightful interview takes us into Twigg’s studio and plein air painting process, in the lead up to his recent solo exhibition ‘Long Haul’ at Australian Galleries Melbourne.
Visit Julian Twigg’s exhibition page here to watch the interview in full.
This wonderful video narrated by Sasha Grishin and with footage by Riste Andrievski invites us into the creative processes and themes which inspire Julian Twigg’s work.
Julian Twigg’s solo exhibition Nautical presents his latest body of work, including oil paintings on board, linen and paper and ceramic vessels. These magnificent works were developed throughout 2022 during the artist’s travels to Sydney, Port Kembla and while attending a two-week artist residency at Lighthouse Arts, Newcastle. Read more about Julian Twigg’s residency here
View Julian Twigg’s current exhibition Nautical online here
Exhibition open 7 days 10am – 6pm
15 Roylston Street, Paddington
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.
In anticipation of his 2023 exhibition at Australian Galleries, Sydney, Julian Twigg will use his time at the residency to create new, inspired works. We look forward to seeing the body of work Julian creates and are delighted to share these images of recent works from the artist’s studio for what we are sure will be a spectacular exhibition.
About the residency
Lighthouse Arts is a multi-arts activation of Nobbys-Whibayganba headland cottages to support 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.
This initiative is made possible by the partnership between Hunter Writers Centre (a not-for-profit organisation since 1995), local government, state government, and the creative communities of Newcastle.
Julian Twigg
Painter, ceramicist and printmaker Julian Twigg completed a Diploma of Visual Art at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in 2000. His impasto paintings are constructed from simplified forms and broad colour, emphasising the emotive aspects and changing temperaments of Port Philip Bay. Twigg’s works are held in several regional and tertiary collections, and have been exhibited all over Australia. He was awarded the ANL Maritime Prize in 2007 and the Mayor’s Prize Waverley Art Prize in 2010. More recently, Twigg has been featured as a Finalist in the Tattersalls Landscape Art Prize in Brisbane and the King’s School Art Prize in Sydney. The celebrated maritime artist’s exhibition Hidden Gems at Australian Galleries in 2020 was his 20th solo exhibition, marking 20 years since Twigg’s completion of art school.
To read more about Julian Twigg and view a selection of available works, visit our website here.
