LIFE & STYLE
Greg Hansell saw the purity of light
by Greg Martin
Windsor ’ s Greg Hansell has never been one to push his own barrow despite establishing himself as one of Australia ’ s foremost artists .
He generally leaves it to the folk presenting him with art prizes or lauding him for his entries in the prestigious Wynn Prize and Archibald Prize .
The 74-year-old has been a Wynn Prize finalist on 18 occasions , a finalist in an Archibald Prize , four times finalist in the Dobell Drawing Prize and has twice won the Mosman Art Prize .
Early last month , Her Excellency , the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC , the 39 th Governor of NSW , wore another hat as Governor of the Royal Art Society NSW .
Where , in front of an admiring crowd at the society ’ s Lavender Bay Gallery and Art School – both her and Greg Hansell , the Governor had the obvious pleasure in launching Greg ’ s first book which is sure to prove popular with those of us who appreciate art .
Governor Beazley was delighted to accept an invitation from the Royal Art Society NSW to launch Greg ’ s 198-page work of art , the Purity of Australian Light . A purity which has been treasured and captured on canvas by a long list of great Australian artists including Albert Namajira , Sidney Nolen , D ’ Arcy Doyle , Hans Heysen , Tom Roberts , Frederick McCubbin and Sir Arthur Streeton . And Greg Hansell ! It was as obvious as the lack of an
The Governor of NSW , Margaret Beazley , had the pleasure of launching Greg Hansell ’ s book and exhibition at the Royal Art Society of NSW ’ s Lavender Bay Art Gallery and School .
ear on Vincent Van Gogh ’ s head , that the governor appreciated the invite to launch Greg ’ s book , which is chockful of his artworks .
Greg ’ s book was three years in the making but he believes it was three years well spent . “ When readers open the pages , such is its novel production , they will , gee , how can I put it ?” Greg said .
“ They will really look into the paintings which take up the entire page – no frame – and I hope they get the feeling that they are viewing the scene as seen by me ,” Greg explained .
Greg ’ s Purity of Australian Light goes on sale early this month .
They can be purchased statewide at art galleries and libraries , including of course our own such venues in the Hawkesbury . The book retails at just $ 80 but five special edition books will retail for $ 650 as they will come with a 20cm x 20cm Greg Hansell painting featuring , yep , the purity of light .
12 ISSUE 166 // MARCH 2024 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT