In a burst of creative output in 2017 and 2018, artist Owen Thompson has produced the artwork for his exhibition Nature’s Table, containing close nature studies and broad landscapes.
The title refers to his early school days when the class had a nature table upon which to display curiosities, like cicadas, birds nests, shells and seedpods, which started Thompson’s ongoing fascination with these sorts of subjects.
Painted in a manner reminiscent of the journal recordings by 19th century naturalists of their discoveries, Thompson has used watercolour to paint with striking accuracy his observations of natural objects collected over many years.
“They are my small treasures, which are like miniature worlds full of diverse colours, patterns and structures,” he said.
They are my small treasures, which are like miniature worlds.
- Owen Thompson
In their presentation, however, Thompson mounts the works in triptych, creating a more contemporary effect by involving the interplay of the rhythms and spaces between the objects.
They feature everything from feathers to fungi to flowers, butterflies and banksias, even geckos.
These concentrated close studies of objects are complemented by his broader landscapes, mainly of the Blue Mountains, which express his love for the natural environs of this part of the Central Tablelands.
They also display his versatility of approach and remarkable technical skills.
This exhibition will hold something of appeal for anyone with an eye for nature.
Nature’s Table opens on Saturday, March 24 at 2pm at Day Gallery, 27-29 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath. It continues until April 8, Friday to Monday 10am-5pm.
