Morning Blaze, East MacDonnells, oil on board, 40 x 80 cm, small.jpg
Plein air landscape painting of desert gorge in full red colours on left and deep blue shadow on right.
A desert gorge deep in blue shadow on the one side and bright red-orange on the other in this landscape painting
Morning Blaze, East MacDonnells, oil on board, 40 x 80 cm, small.jpg
Plein air landscape painting of desert gorge in full red colours on left and deep blue shadow on right.
A desert gorge deep in blue shadow on the one side and bright red-orange on the other in this landscape painting

Morning Blaze, Trephina Gorge, 2024, oil on board, diptych 40 x 80 cm

$1,900.00

Trephina Gorge, located in the MacDonnell Ranges, 85 km east of Alice Springs, is a site of sacred significance, its rugged beauty glowing intensely under the morning sun. Painted en plein air, Morning Blaze captures the gorge in a rare moment—dry despite recent rainfall, where the riverbed's sands absorbed the water, leaving only the rich, contrasting colours of the landscape.

Working directly in the Central Australian wilderness, I sought to translate the dynamic interplay of light and shadow onto the canvas, using broad, expressive brushstrokes to evoke the heat and vivid hues of the outback. The deep blue-purple shadows contrast starkly with the fiery orange rock faces lit by the sun, embodying the extremes of the desert environment.

Medium: Oil on two professional artist-quality plywood panels
Location: Trephina Gorge, East MacDonnell Ranges, Central Australia
Subject: Rocky cliffs and dry riverbed in the outback of Australia
Colour Palette: Blue (ultramarine, indigo, pthalo, cobalt), Burnt Umber, Red Gold, Burnt Sienna, Australian Leaf Green, Magenta

Trephina Gorge, located in the MacDonnell Ranges, 85 km east of Alice Springs, is a site of sacred significance, its rugged beauty glowing intensely under the morning sun. Painted en plein air, Morning Blaze captures the gorge in a rare moment—dry despite recent rainfall, where the riverbed's sands absorbed the water, leaving only the rich, contrasting colours of the landscape.

Working directly in the Central Australian wilderness, I sought to translate the dynamic interplay of light and shadow onto the canvas, using broad, expressive brushstrokes to evoke the heat and vivid hues of the outback. The deep blue-purple shadows contrast starkly with the fiery orange rock faces lit by the sun, embodying the extremes of the desert environment.

Medium: Oil on two professional artist-quality plywood panels
Location: Trephina Gorge, East MacDonnell Ranges, Central Australia
Subject: Rocky cliffs and dry riverbed in the outback of Australia
Colour Palette: Blue (ultramarine, indigo, pthalo, cobalt), Burnt Umber, Red Gold, Burnt Sienna, Australian Leaf Green, Magenta

Artwork Specifications

Certification:
This artwork is an original contemporary Australian landscape painting, signed and dated on the back by the artist.

Art Gallery Quality Premium Materials:

  • Diptych, each panel measures 40 x 40 cm

  • Art Spectrum and Windsor & Newton oil paints applied over a Matisse Acrylic Gesso

  • Professional artist-quality plywood boards with framing

Painting Dimensions:
40 cm (h) x 80 cm (w) x 4 cm (d)

How to Hang Your Painting:
This medium-sized plein air landscape painting of the Australian outback is easy to install and ideal for display above furniture or on a feature wall such as an entryway. Best suited to a well-lit space in either modern or traditional interiors, good lighting enhances the full depth and vibrancy of the colour palette.

According to Australian gallery standards, artwork should be hung so the centre of the piece sits approximately 155 cm from the floor. Adjustments can be made based on ceiling height, surrounding furniture, and whether the space is used for sitting (like a dining room) or standing (like a hallway). To preserve its condition, avoid placing oil paintings in direct sunlight, as UV exposure may cause fading or discolouration.

Framing Details:
This original oil painting on plywood is currently unframed, consistent with how contemporary artworks are often presented in galleries and private collections. It is fitted with professional D-hooks and wire for immediate hanging. Custom framing can be arranged upon request.