Andrew Tischler
Artist
The Kimberley
The Kimberley region is vast and consists of some of the most spectacular scenery Australia has to offer including some of the most inspirational settings I have ever come across. It presents the painter with a myriad of subjects ranging from coastal and intertidal zones; gorges and monumental geological forms to calm remnant pockets of rainforest.
I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit the Kimberley in 2010 and have been busy working on paintings inspired by the trip ever since. I would like to sincerely thank Craig Howson of North Star Cruises for inviting me aboard the vessel, "The True North", and making this tour possible. It was the expedition of a lifetime.
 UNDISTURBED, Kimberly, WA, 54 x 36cm, Oil on Belgian Linen, 2011 SOLD |
The above painting depicts the quiet waters of one of the many intertidal zones. I derived my inspiration from many different areas and used much artistic license. I was captivated by the geology of the Hunter River and the rock walls that towered ever higher as we travelled upstream. I particularly enjoyed the way these small spaces could form their own climate and provide home for lush vegetation. This was literally a pocket of rainforest in an arid region.
One of my biggest challenges now is working out what to paint? From the two weeks spent on board the True North, I returned to the studio with ten thousand reference images! When on location I also completed several colour sketches to capture the landscape I had seen that day while it was still fresh in my mind.
 KING GEORGE FALLS, Kimberly, WA, 25 x 20cm, Oil on Belgian Linen, 2010 SOLD |
 ON THE HUNTER RIVER, Kimberly, WA, 25 x 20cm, Oil on Belgian Linen, 2010 SOLD |
Even though it has been over a year since my visit, I still feel the immediacy and the spark of that initial inspiration I felt when I was standing in front of King George Falls or on the Hunter River. I am only just getting started with these exciting new subjects.
 STORM BREWING, Kimberly, WA, 20 x 16cm, Oil on Belgian Linen, 2011 SOLD |
When the crew of the True North told me that these rocky islands would nearly disappear as the tide came in, I didn't believe them. I had to see it for myself. The tidal range along the Kimberley Coast at this time of year was 10 metres. It swallowed up enormous areas of coast, mangrove systems and small islands as it came in. These islands were teeming with life and shorebirds, including terns, would take advantage of the abundance of fish rising to the surface.
Sadly, The Kimberley is under threat from development. We should care for our natural environments and not be blinded by short term gains. The true wealth lies in their celebration and preservation. Once it's gone, it's gone forever.