This work depicts a view of the Burrup Peninsula, Western Australia, employing the artist’s distinctive semi-aerial perspective.
The strong reds and burnt ochres of the rock formations which essentially divide the painting into four sections contrast with the greens of the plains between and the deeper stylized greens of the trees dotted throughout.
There is a trickle of white and turquoise running directly up through the centre of the work representing the drying, salted riverbed giving some visual relief from the deep rich reds which dominate the work.
The clear blue of the sky and sea at the top of the painting balance out the textured detail of the rock formations at the bottom of the work.
This painting is both realistic and abstract at the same time. There is a strong sense of distance and perspective giving a view to a distance shoreline. However, the use of the paint and treatment of the brushstrokes abstracts the rock formations and trees which prevents the work from becoming a traditional landscape and ensures a contemporary feel.
The exhibition is current until 30 August 2014: http://www.quadrantgallery.com.au/phil-henshall.html