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:: Biography :: | Featured Works
No other artist captures the natural light of the Australian Bush like Hal Barton.
He is recognised as one of Australia’s leading bush painters. His works reveal a
depth of feeling and understanding of the environment which coupled with his formidable
talent and recognised technique, make his works constantly in demand.
Born in Adelaide in 1927, his passion for immortalising the land began when as a small
child he wandered his beloved Adelaide Hills, sketchbook in hand. He gained his early
training at the South Australian School of Arts and Crafts and had the advantage of being
tutored by returning official war artists. This study involved intensive drawing and
painting and he believes that this period has contributed enormously to his success.
On his painting trips to Hahndorf he received invaluable guidance and encouragement from
Sir Hans Heysen. But Hal shunned the traditional sweeping landscapes of Heysen and the
Heidelberg School, to which he has been compared, to uncover the unique beauty and
character of the bush at eye-level, with his fine focus revealing the organised chaos of
nature on the forest floor. He mainly painted outdoors and his pursuit of subjects has
taken him to many remote areas of Australia. Hal finds now that he prefers to paint in the
comfort of his studio.
Hal is by no means limited to bush scenes. He also paints still life and after moving to
the Sunshine Coast in 1972, also paints beach scenes often including banksias and grass
trees. In 1992 he demonstrated his versatility by becoming a finalist in the “Doug
Moran Portrait Competition”. The four major prizes he has won at the prestigious
Camberwell Rotary Art Show are considered by Hal to be his most satisfying achievements.
Hal has now been painting for over sixty years and was named as one of the legends of the
century of his region.
Hal has had over 20 solo exhibitions both in Queensland and in other states, many of which
have been sell-outs. Hal features in private collections all across Australia as well as
New York, London and Ireland.
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