Brisbane City Markets
When it comes to Queensland themes, there is nothing that typifies Brisbane better than the markets. Busy, colourful and charming, markets make an ideal painting subject. This particular series of paintings were drawn from the markets at South Bank and most are sketched from the same spot. That is not unusual, since once a good viewpoint has been found, markets make for good sketching, as the swirl of people goes by. Once the fixed position of the colourful market stands has been drawn in, I add in figures as they come and go. In this way, several paintings worth of sketches can be obtained within thirty minutes.
Another study for Brisbane City Markets.
Lost shopper at Brisbane city markets.
If you look carefully at this series of paintings you can see the same figure has appeared in several different paintings. (Check the guy with the shopping bag – he is either lost, or has mislaid a partner!)
More detailed painting of the markets.
When I am back in the studio, these quick sketches are turned into quickly-done small paintings. That is how I explore the best approach before starting a larger, more-detailed painting. Often I try out a couple of different-shaped small boards to see which shape fits the composition best. I always like to have a large variety of sizes of boards on hand, primed and ready to go. Images attached to this post show three quickly-done studies and three more-detailed works that were finished later.
Larger painting of Brisbane city markets
Larger pastel painting from the same spot.
A similar South Bank market painting, sketched from the same spot, is shown as a progressive painting here.
Next exhibition
My next exhibition of paintings will be held at the Metcalfe Gallery, Brisbane Institute of Art, from 27th August to the 8th September, 2021. Please send me a note and I’ll email you an invitation two weeks before the next exhibition.
Christine
