Interview with an artist – Rex Woodmore
Rex Woodmore hails from Jarrahdale, WA.
“In my art I attempt to capture the essence of Australia in all its diverse, colour, splendour and intrigue, but the works of a mere mortal pale into insignificance when compared to the awesome wonders of God’s amazing creation. My favourite subject in my paintings is trees. I use high pigment acrylics finished in acrylic gloss, on stretched canvas or art board”
When did you first realise you were an artist Rex?
The easy answer could be “When I made my first sale” but it was sort of a hollow victory. My work seemed to be full of borrowed creativity and not my own.
The defining moment in my recognition and acceptance of myself as an artist, would have been when I produced work in my own style, with my own ideas, to my own satisfaction and yet acceptable and appreciated by others.
Could you tell us some more about your work?
Even to a casual observer it is probably obvious, that trees with their individual beauty, strength and structure are my favourite subjects. Most of my work to date has been on professional quality stretched canvas. I prefer Atelier interactive acrylic applied over Gesso primer, finished with several coats of a compatible gloss acrylic. I am fastidious about continuing the painting, on the canvas, around the outside of the stretcher frame.
What is it that inspires you to paint a particular subject?
At first I attempted to emulate the style and subject matter of others, until an experienced artist suggested “Paint what you are passionate about and it will shine through your work” Today I can only hope that others see my passion for Australia and her trees in particular, shining through my work.
What other artists have influenced you, and how?
I like to think that the paintings of the late, great Australian Aboriginal artist, Albert Namatjira was an influence on my work. He achieved what I attempt. Albert Namatjira captured the essence of the Australian Outback in his landscapes of rocks, hills and hauntingly beautiful trees. If I have anything in common with Namatjira, it is our shared love of art and the beauty of the Australian wilderness.
What do you do for fun (besides painting)?
At one time I would have said SCUBA diving, but those were the days when I wore a younger man’s wet suit. I still enjoy snorkelling and at Coral Bay last year I dived with reef sharks, turtles and a massive Whale shark.http://rexwoodmore.weebly.com/underwater-adventures.html
I am blessed to have a lovely supportive wife by my side and together, in our off road ‘Supervan’ we escape the suburbs and go mineral prospecting, enjoy the wildflowers and outback sunsets.
When we return home we get back to gardening and laugh about the adventures we had, the flat tyres, the flies and how we got bogged and spent three hours digging the vehicle out of the only mud hole in the middle of the desert! …That’s my idea of fun!http://rexwoodmore.weebly.com/our-supervan-adventures.html
What inspires you to create art and how do you keep motivated?
My motivation to create art often comes from my desire to be in the scene I paint. Through my art I return to the enjoyment of touring the outback, wandering through a forest or sitting under a Jacaranda tree. If I am not motivated to paint, then it is probably time to head off back into the great unknown.
What’s your favourite painting and why?
There are so many great artworks by great artists, but I really like a simple painting, in pencil over water colour, by Albert Namatjira called Ghostgum, Central Australia circa 1945. A single contorted ghostly white barked tree growing in a rocky terrain.
What are you working on at the moment?
None of my ideas are ‘’Set in concrete” but until I change my mind, I intend concentrating on a series of Jacaranda Paintings. The Jacaranda tree seems to have international appeal and apart from that, my wife’s favourite colours are all shades of purple & mauve. http://rexwoodmore.weebly.com/jacaranda-paintings.html
Rural Ranges by Red Woodmore
