Beauty of Redlands Coast inspires a lifetime of artist’s work

A new exhibition at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland celebrates the beauty and diversity of Redlands Coast as seen through the eyes of the late Brisbane-based artist, Gordon Shepherdson.

Open to the public from Sunday 15 October 2023, Gordon Shepherdson: Ocean of Eyes includes works drawn from 40 years of Shepherdson’s exploration of Moreton Bay.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Shepherdson’s two great loves – fishing and painting – were influenced by his affinity with nature.

“A deep understanding of geography, the skies, tides and landforms of the bay, combined with Shepherdson’s many hours on the water in his tinnie, reflect a love of Redlands Coast many of us can relate to,” Cr Williams said.

“Our naturally wonderful coastal area was one of his favourite fishing spots and is dramatically captured in his distinctive style.”

Shepherdson was renowned for his expressionist paintings, with subjects often set against dark, deep backgrounds that enrich the haunting quality of his work.

Swimmers, bathers, birds and stormy skies sit alongside delicate landscapes, beaches and glimpses of landforms.

A special publication produced with the support of the Gordon Darling Foundation to accompany this exhibition provides a comprehensive insight into Shepherdon’s career.

It includes written contributions from specialist arts writer Louise Martin-Chew, curator David Burnett, former gallery owner Bruce Heiser and Nathan Shepherdson, son of the painter and an award-winning author of eight books of poetry.

Born in Brisbane, Gordon Shepherdson attended Gatton Agricultural College for two years from the age of 14.

He then worked various jobs before returning to Brisbane where he attended art classes at night, first with Caroline Barker at the Royal Queensland Art Society in 1951, and a decade later with Jon Molvig and Andrew Sibley.

For 23 years, he worked in an abattoir to support his wife and children, always maintaining his love of fishing and painting.

The Ocean of Eyes exhibition is presented in partnership with Philip Bacon Galleries, Nathan Shepherdson and Bruce Heiser.

An opening event will be held at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland on Friday 13 October from 6pm-8pm.

A floor talk, including morning tea, will be held on Sunday 15 October from 10am.

The exhibition runs during gallery hours until Sunday 3 December 2023.

Bookings for the opening event and floor talk are essential. Register online at artgallery.redland.qld.gov.au/programs/public-programs/