Wanganella Entering Sydney Harbour

“Wanganella Entering Sydney Harbour” is a rather personal painting and journey for me. Way back in '61 when I was four years old I was just starting to form my first memories and this is one of them. As the Wanganella was entering Sydney Harbour, my Mum and two brothers were mustered up on the front deck and I remember feeling cold in the blustery winds and a grey sky. The noise on the deck was terrific with winch cables being cranked and the masts being adjusted. I clearly recall passing under the Sydney Harbour bridge as light rain fell on my face as I looked up. I also remember seeing the smiling face at Luna Park and thinking “this seems like a nice place”. The memory still brings a tear to my eye as I write this now.

In this painting, a few passengers are emerging from their cabins. The first seagulls start to follow the Wanganella in the hope of getting a few scraps. The inclement weather keeps many inside, however a few gather outside on the decks whilst some like my mum and brothers are catching their first glimpses of Australia.

I have recreated as best I can the scene of that day so many years ago. I thoroughly researched the ship before drawing a single line on the canvas because it was important to get it right. I have a great attachment and connection to this painting and I hope you love it as much as I do.

This work was created with the highest quality Old Holland and Williamsburg paints. The cabling was drawn on with a very fine piece of charcoal. Most of this painting was completed using tiny 10/0 brushes and one of these will be included with the painting.

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I have always loved art from my earliest understanding of it. I started painting at the age of six and rarely stopped. I was influenced early with realism and have tried to replicate life as closely as possible. I love all subjects and I guess that's why I don't paint just a single topic like aviation, marine, wildlife or still life. I try and immerse myself with reflections and creating form using light. I also love painting things that nature has taken a nice chunk out of.

I enjoy the works of Frans Hals‚ as well as the modern masters such as John Seerey-Lester‚ Salvador Dali, Banksy and lately Tjalf Spaarnay and Luigi Benedicenti who are hyperrealist artists.

I have always painted my own reality. I paint what grabs by attention and I've always painted things that were part of my life. That's why you'll see such a broad range of subjects in my paintings such as wine, trains, boats, aircraft and food. I paint what's nearby or relevant to me. The majority of my work is now still life, in particular I like to paint wine.

My work can be found in collections in Australia and worldwide. I'm always grateful for any "likes" given, it helps me feel as though someone has enjoyed my work.

If you would like to work together on a project email me: maknople@gmail.com

Thank you for your time
Rob