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FREDERICK RONALD WILLIAMS 1927-1982 Brick Chimney, Howqua April 1969 gouache on paper 57.5 x 76.5 cm (image: 45.5 x 76.5 cm) signed lower centre: Fred Williams $105,000 Brick Chimney, Howqua, 1969 demonstrates Williams’ mastery of the gouache medium and his sensitive response to a particular place. The Howqua River, 20 kms east of Mansfield towards Mt Buller, inspired Williams to create a series of works on paper over April 1969. This was Williams’ first sustained river series and there is a strong sense that he was exploring how moving water reacts visually and chromatically against the static quality and earthy colours of the surrounding banks. Now a popular camping spot, the Howqua area is littered with remnants of the goldmining that took place in the Howqua hills. Williams described in his diary a “curious old brick chimney left standing on the opposite bank [noting] it looks very strange amongst the trees.” This observation forms the basis of this gouache and a related oil painting of the same title. Over a pre-painted tan base colour, Williams introduces a strip format that emphasizes the horizontality of the landscape and contrasts the flowing river against a more solid bank. On top of this base, vertical elements, including the chimney, were laid down; devices that both anchor and divide the landscape.
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