Old building, Ravenswood Queensland painting by artist Alan J. Benge

Ravenswood in North Queensland is worth a visit to view the picturesque outback-style old buildings along its main street.  In this original composition, I used a limited palette of earthy colours, complemented by a pen and ink over-sketch with white highlights.  Use was made of splatter texture and the painting was created on an old sheet of plywood.  A simple wide white frame - with ribbed, corrugated iron-style lines - sets off the composition.
The texture could well signify an approaching dust storm, and it helps convey the magnificently harsh climate that all must learn to live with in the outback of Australia.

Mona Lisa - Aussie outback style painting by artist Alan J. Benge

The Winton Outback festival - held every two years - has grown increasingly popular each time it is held.  This is an early painting which I did for the festival back in 1989.  As you can see in the photo, this painting bears a superficial resemblance to another, more famous original which reposes in the the Louvre.
My own attempt is obviously not suitable for the Louvre, being more appropriate for the "Loo".  It was submitted as part of the Winton's Outback Dunny painting competition.  I recall that my original creation"Mona Loosa" was very popular with the locals at that time, and I often wonder what became of the painting after it was auctioned off in the main street.

Battling the bushfire - original painting by artist Alan J. Benge

The Australian bush can be peaceful and calm - yet it can also present a savage face to those who are caught in the devastating path of bushfires.  In this original acrylic painting, I wanted to show the bravery and courage of those who are forced to defend their homes and lifestyles in the face of adversity.
All hands are called upon to beat back the flames, including the woman in the foreground as wet sacks are used to contain the advancing scrub fire. Bushfires are a tragic reminder of how merciless and savage the Australian climate can be - but in my painting, I hoped to show that the true Aussie pioneering spirit of people working together can sometimes help save homes and lives.