Ocean & Earth by Ken Knight 2022

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The exhibition of paintings by Ken Knight at Wentworth Galleries is the culmination of over 35 years of work. The artist has titled the show 'Ocean & Earth'.

'I have always painted en plein air and this has provided my foundation as a landscape artist. This direct experience, painting within the landscape is both elevating and visceral. I had my first exhibition in 1979 so I have been studying the landscape and painting for a long time now. '

Early in Knight's career he concentrated on small paintings. In recent times he has been painting much larger paintings on site. He concedes that this has been a challenge in capturing the landscape in the same direct approach with works larger than a metre painted on a French easel outside. 'There have been times that I have had to tie the easel/ canvas to the back of my troopy so that it didn't become air borne !'

He travels extensively. This exhibition features Sydney Harbour and various areas in the Monaro landscape, two locations that the artist has always identified with. Painting outside is a deeply emotional and necessary experience for capturing the essence and spirit of the scene and it's inherent scenario. He paints quickly, not wanting to concentrate on the detail, lest it inherit a photographic quality in his eye and hence his brush. Rather, he imbues his elements with passion, emotion and a love for the landscape that has become his raison d'être and an integral part of himself.

He'll blur lines, soften edges and abstract elements to leave the work open for interpretation that the viewer can call his or her own.

This exhibition also includes paintings of Gumtrees, but not in the traditional sense. 'I am captivated by the dichotomy of realised form and abstraction when looking into the foliage above my head, and the strong sense of colour and light that can be achieved when painting something without a horizon and with limited distance.' The Scribbly Gums on the South Coast of NSW provide a stimulating motif and the multi panel paintings came from the idea of echoing the forest canopy in a horizontal context. The 'dancing gum ' multi panel series have been painted separately and on location.

In February 2020 Knight travelled to Antarctica with 95 kilos of painting gear and painted on location. He adds that this was the most exhilarating and wonderful experience of his artistic life. 'There was something amazing and sacrosanct seeing a landscape untouched by man.

Global warming and destruction of habitat are at the forefront of international concerns regarding the environment and climate change. 'I hope in some small way that my work reflects the attitude that most people have regarding the imperative of preserving and protecting our world.'