Nat Ward

I live next to the reserves of Nail Can Hill and Horseshoe Lagoon, which is connected to the Murray river, in Albury. I spend a lot of time hiking in the hills and in the summer, swimming in the river, so I feel like I have a close relationship with this environment. My work is based on the interesting contrasts in the bush land, like the bursts of wildflowers and wattles next to the colours and forms of the gums. There is an ever-changing dynamic during the different seasons, and this really interests me, both with the larger landscape format and the more intimate studies. The challenge, back in the studio, is to produce a painting that is nuanced and perhaps curious which will engage the viewer to ponder a landscape that is familiar but not representative or obvious.