Gallery coordinator Raymond Wholohan standing in front of the Dobell Drawing Prize #22 finalist artwork Love Song by Anthony Cahill. Photo: Supplied.
One of Australia’s leading artists will visit Griffith in October to conduct two, free three-hour drawing workshops for young people aged between 15 and 17.
The classes will the taught by Anthony Cahill, an artist and lecturer teaching at the National Art School in Sydney. He is also a finalist in the Dobell Drawing Prize #22, which is on display at the Griffith Regional Art Gallery.
Gallery coordinator Ray Wholohan said if there’s one art form that’s for everyone, this was it.
“Drawing would have to be the most accessible art form. Everyone has done it at some point in their lives. That’s what makes these workshops so appealing,” he said.
Anthony Cahill has been exhibiting in commercial and public galleries in Australia and abroad since 1982. His work explores notions of landscape and human presence within a contemporary representation of landscape painting. Images are derived initially through direct observation. His subjects are varied, usually involving a figure in landscape, and his works are without concern for formal boundaries of figuration and abstraction.
Mr Cahill will provide participants with insight into basic mark-making through the practice of drawing. Participants will also gain a better understanding of drawing principles, observation of a subject and techniques such as outlining and shading.
“It is the gallery’s absolute pleasure to host a drawing lecturer of Anthony’s prominence to inspire and educate young artists of our region. We strongly encourage any young people between the ages of 15 and 17 who have an interest in drawing to register for this workshop. All skill levels are welcome,” Mr Wholohan said.
Anthony Cahill. Photo: Supplied.
The gallery is hosting an exhibition currently showcasing 43 of the 64 finalists from the 2021 Dobell Drawing Prize, which includes animation, collage and paper weaving, charcoal, ink and watercolour. The competition is named after artist William Dobell, who won the Archibald Prize, Australia’s premier award for portrait artists, on three occasions. Past winners include Kevin Connor, David Fairbairn, Virginia Grayson, Nicholas Harding, Ann Pollak, Gareth Sansom, Jan Senbergs, Garry Shead and Aida Tomescu.
The winner of the Dobell Drawing Prize is awarded $30,000 and their work becomes part of the National Art School Collection. The judging process is initially undertaken digitally by a panel of practising artists. In 2021, the panel included Michelle Belgiorno (artist and trustee at the SWDAF), Simon Cooper (artist and head of studies at the National Art School) and Lucy Culliton (artist and 2021 guest judge). After 64 finalists were selected from a record 948 entries from around the country, guest judge Lucy Culliton chose the outright winner at the prize exhibition in March 2021.
The NSW Government-funded Griffith drawing workshops will take place at the gallery, 9 am to 12 pm on Friday 7 October and Saturday 8 October. All materials will be supplied and although the workshops are free, registration is essential.
The gallery asks that participants only register for one of the two workshops available. Interested parties can register at the gallery by phoning (02) 6962 8338 or enrolling online through the gallery’s website.
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