Silverton Heights

Created on site in Silverton, NSW, this plein air painting records the elevated cluster of stone and brick buildings that remain in this legendary outback town. Two of the structures, now home to art galleries, sit alongside a church or Masonic hall, their weathered walls surrounded by tin fences, saltbush, and dusty tracks under a vast, clear blue sky.

Silverton carries the feel of a ghost town, its history and isolation etched into every building. Once largely abandoned, it survives today through tourism and creativity, retaining its historic charm and rugged character.

Painted directly from life, Silverton Heights captures not just the buildings but the atmosphere of the place: the dry heat, the quiet of the wide streets, and the timeless quality of this remote outback setting. It’s a piece that reflects both the story of Silverton and the immediacy of the plein air process, making it a striking addition for collectors drawn to Australian outback heritage and character.

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David Isbester is an Australian artist known for his evocative plein air paintings and impressionistic depictions of rural landscapes. With a career spanning decades, David’s work is inspired by the early Australian impressionists and tonal painters, with a focus on capturing light, atmosphere, and the transient beauty of the Australian bush.

David began his artistic journey at 21, studying drawing and tonal painting under David Bryan Wilson, a teacher from the Julian Ashton School. His love for plein air painting has since taken him across the country, from the rugged Flinders Ranges to Tasmania’s wilderness and the rolling hills of the Central West of NSW.

In his paintings, David aims to convey more than just a scene—he seeks to evoke a feeling. Whether it’s the blinding brilliance of late afternoon sun filtering through a clump of trees or the quiet companionship of a kelpie resting on a ute , David’s work is characterised by loose, expressive brushstrokes, minimal detail, and an emphasis on light and tonal values.

David has exhibited extensively, including solo exhibitions at the David Isbester Gallery and Rosnay Organic Wines. His work has been recognized in major art prizes, including as a finalist in the Calleen Art Awards and Highly Commended at the Victorian Artists Society’s 9x5 exhibition.

Based in Canowindra, NSW, David continues to paint and exhibit, sharing his unique perspective on the Australian landscape. His original paintings and limited-edition prints on Bluethumb offer collectors a chance to own works that celebrate the raw beauty and impermanence of nature.