Early in Knight’s career he concentrated on small paintings. In recent times he has been painting much larger paintings on site. He concedes that this has been a chal lenge in capturing the landscape in the same direct approach with works larger than a metre painted on a French easel outside. “There have been times that I have had to tie the easel/ canvas to the back of my troopy so that it didn’t become airborne !”
He travels extensively. This exhibition features Sydney Harbour and various areas in the Monaro landscape, two locations that the artist has always identified with. Painting outside is a deeply emotional and necessary experience for capturing the essence and spirit of the scene and it’s inherent scenario. He paints quickly, not wanting to concentrate on the detail, lest it inherit a photographic quality in his eye and hence his brush. Rather, he imbues his elements with passion, emotion and a love for the landscape that has become his raison d’être and an integral part of himself.
He’ll blur lines, soften edges and abstract elements to leave the work open for interpretation that the viewer can call his or her own.
In February 2020 Knight travelled to Antarctica with 95 kilos of painting gear and painted on location. He adds that this was the most exhilarating and wonderful experience of his artistic life. “There was something amazing and sacrosanct seeing a landscape untouched by man.
This is a place that is elemental and hostile, merciless yet delicate. I felt like a very insignificant part of the landscape and had an overwhelming impression of a har mony of ecology before we over populated our planet. It was a deep sense of peace like dwelling inside a pocket of time removed from the world. “
Global warming and destruction of habitat are at the forefront of international concerns regarding the environment and climate change. “I hope in some small way that my work reflects the attitude that most people have regarding the imperative of preserving and protecting our world.”
“I have always painted en plein air and this has provided my foundation as a landscape artist. This direct experience, painting within the landscape is both elevating and visceral. I had my first exhibition in 1979 so I have been studying the landscape and painting for a long time now. “
