LAURAINE DIGGINS FINE ART

Specialists in Australian Colonial, Impressionist, Modern, Contemporary and Indigenous painting, Sculpture and Decorative art. Sourcing European masterworks on request. Offering collection advice; valuations for insurance and facilitators of insurance, conservation and framing for clients.

Michael Blanche

5 Malakoff St

Caulfield North Victoria 3161 03 9509 9855 ausart@diggins.com.au diggins.com.au

Hours: Tues - Fri 10am - 6pm, other times by appointment.

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.