Back again with another “I Like This!”
Had a free Saturday so I found myself driving up the Dandenong Ranges to Kalorama. Nice part of the world with good views East and West of the Ranges. I found myself at the Kapi Art Gallery. Cool stuff. What took my eye – well a lot took my eye – but what kept my focus was a lovely painting by Ivan Smith.
When do art you find yourself drawn to things you struggle with. This lovely piece called Woori Yallock Dawn is a delight. It has a wonderful sunrise breaking through the trees. My first thought was Dang! Wish I could do sunlight like that.
Ivan Has Skills
Ivan has skills. Generous layers of soft warm light envelop the entire canvass. Its all in Acrylic paint. It displays great touch and control with the layers of shade and light. So very clean and nice.
There are two cyclists in the distance along the trail. You do not see them at first. The light of the sun rise takes your attention early. It is the trail that draws you further into the composition, leading you to the cyclists. Good day for a ride. Wish I was there.
You can visit this spot. Woori Yallock is east of Melbourne between Seville and Launching Place. Not sure where on the Warburton Trail it is but its there. Ivan told me this via e-mail. He also had a bit more background than just its location. It fits with the season of Lent that we are in.
The Artist Speaks
“The Woori Yallock Dawn was part of a series of paintings I did along the Warburton Trail. I’d just jump on my bike with a camera, usually early morning or late in the day – as the lighting, dramatic shadows and hue are the best.
The painting just captures a moment when the sun burst through the tree, just past the old Woori station. A moment were I couldn’t help but just stop and share a God-moment and appreciate the beautiful part of the world we live in.
It did cross my mind that many people were still sleeping in – or perhaps blind by complacency or local ‘been-there-done-that during a normal day’ – and so missed that moment the dawn sun burst through flooding the misty trail with warmth and light. Hey, connect the dots to … Easter!”
Thanks to Ivan for taking the time to reply. Having input from the artist in question is priceless.
If you love this and want to check out Ivan’s work he has a website and is on display currently at Kapi Art Space. Links below.
Worri Yallock Dawn https://www.kapiartspace.com/product-page/ivan-smith-warburton-trail-views
Ivan Smith’s webiste http://www.ivansmithdesign.com/
Kapi Art Spacehttp://www.kapiartspace.com/
Phillip Hall has been too long in Melbourne to see AFL in the same light as those back in Fremantle. East Fremantle born and bred, he would love to see the Dockers back in the eight. But would settle for just beating West Coast twice a year.