LOCAL LIFE
ONE OF THE HAWKESBURY ’ S FINEST ...
by Greg Martin
Greg Hansell ’ s studio , overlooking the Hawkesbury River at Windsor , has provided the renowned artist with numerous ideas for him to work his magic with a paintbrush . Photo : Kathryn Johnston .
Windsor ’ s Greg Hansell has chalked up a reputable career as one of the country ’ s most respected artists .
And what ’ s more he ’ s chalked up that reputation using his own variety of chalk .
Not for him acrylics , oils , watercolours or gouache – he uses shales and mudstones unearthed at various places along the coastline , especially around Terrigal and Batemans Bay .
From these ancient rocks , the 74-year-old dons this “ alchemist ” has unearthed 24 different colours which suit his artistic landscape creations to perfection .
“ I originally used the regular paints but in 1978 but I found them too bright for my landscapes ,” Greg explained .
“ My tutor at St George Technical College where I was working at acquiring my Art Certificate , suggested I use earth minerals as colourants to get more colour into my artwork .”
It is certainly a step back in time – in fact a huge step – in using minerals as colourants .
Our ancient ancestors used pigments and grinding equipment in creating their artwork around 400,000 years ago .
“ The colours I conjure up suit my landscape artwork – they ’ re softer than other paints and to my mind provide me with the perfect combination of colours for my works ,” Greg said .
His Earth Pastels are hand made only from rocks and clays with no commercial pigment , binder or additive used in their manufacture .
“ I crush the materials in an old corn crusher , add water to separate the pigment from the grit , dry them in the sun and then roll them into a short cylindrical shape ,” Greg explained .
6 ISSUE 167 // APRIL 2024 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT