Paul McCarthy | The River Runs Deep

“I’m hoping to showcase my love of trees, I love the way light filters through trees and illuminates the trunks, often in an explosion of colour. Eucalypt trees have an endless palette and vary greatly from soft grey mauves to vibrant orange. ”

Water is the sustainer of life, is the very essence of all living organisms. Where the trees grow there is always water. Seed cast from years past germinate only when the billabongs are flooded, giving the trees a head start in life. 

McCarthy, with his regard for both the beauty and history of landscape depicts grand trees following ancient water courses, both visible and subterranean. 

These trees have an ancient knowledge of the climate and build a resilience for unexpected and erratic weather patterns. To capture this sustainability and resilience is what draws McCarthy to the banks of these rivers to express an ever-changing landscape. 

This exhibition includes works from along the following rivers, all within NSW - Lane Cove River, Georges River, Tumut River, Murray River. 

Our trees have evolved to thrive despite seasons of fire. McCarthy is also drawn to the magic of the new life and recovery of a scorched bush. The gradual recovery over time replaces and replenishes the land. “Capturing the re-growth was an area I wanted to develop in a series of simplified works depicting the subtle changes of the landscape”. 

Capturing the light in a fleeting moment is the essence of Paul McCarthy’s painting process. Working plein-air, he aims to translate the immediacy of environment, “I’m not a vista painter, I want the viewer to be immersed in the subject”. He seeks to portray the rhythm of the landscape and translate the colours, pushing them to the limit at times, or with gentle restraint, holding back.

McCarthy captures the light and life of these majestic beauties, sometimes paring back to simple suggestive linework, whilst at other times stating the intricacies of detail. The mix of resolve is played out across the picture plain in skilful mark making developed over 40yrs of painting and drawing. 

• Exhibition dates: 5 March to 12 April

• VIP preview: Wednesday 5 to Friday 7 March, 10 am to 6 pm

• Opening party: Saturday 8 March, 1 to 3 pm