Nationally recognised ‘plein air’ painter, Robert Malherbe, has developed a new series of landscape paintings, many of which are inspired by the South Coast landscape of NSW. His upcoming exhibition, Painted from Life, will also showcase figurative works painted in the rapid ‘alla prima’ style.
Malherbe primarily works ‘alla prima’, which is a direct painting technique where a work is completed in one session, often by applying wet paint in layers. He thereby eschews theconvenience of photographic aids,instead working from life to capture the subtle revelations and feelings of immediacy imparted by the painted or drawn gesture; from the sensuality of the natural environment to the intimate landscape of the human form.
“ All these paintings were painted directly from life, begun and finished in one session. What I
hope is that these paintings are not a picture of an experience but the experience itself.
It’s not realism I’m after, nor am I interested in painting from a photograph. Painting in this
direct manner allows me total immersion with the subject matter and brings me closer to
making sense of this world.”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Robert Malherbe has exhibited locally and nationally for over the past decade. He has been a regular finalist in prestigious prizes, including the Wynne, Archibald and Mosman Art Prizes.
In 2016, a ten-year survey of his work was presented at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, which included an in-depth publication. He was also the winner of the 2016 NSW Parliament Plein Air Prize for his painting of the Lithgow Wetlands in regional NSW.
Image credit: Robert Malherbe Currarong I 2019 oil on board 50.0 x 60.0 cm
