Loading artist
Bradley Short
Artist Statement
These large-scale oil paintings center on a simple, enduring object: the hat. Set against the vast and varied Australian Landscape, each hat stands in quiet testimony to the people who wear them, those who work the land, live by the rhythms, and carry its marks. Weathered by years of use, these hats are not symbols but companions. They have endured rain, drought, cold and heat; they have been present in moments of labor, solitude, hardship, and celebration. Every crease, stain, and abrasion is authentic - formed by sweat, dust, and time. Nothing is imagined. Nothing is decorative. Each surface holds a lived history. These studio works are very thoroughly planned - mood and atmosphere is very important me. The studio space allows me to create more complex composition and narrative in a very large scale. plein air is another important part of my art practice, traveling around the country painting on location, capturing color light in the Australian landscape in a very spontaneous manner. Has given me great pleasure.
Biography
My art journey began as a teenager under the tuition of various North Queensland Artists. Enrolling at Townsville Art College in 1990, I was fortunate to have some great lecturers. 2011, I was invited on a painting trip to Larapinta out of Alice Springs with a group of artists. This opened yet another door and pushed me and my art, proving the chance to paint and exhibit around Australia with those who have become great friends. The opportunity to go plein air painting has redefined how I see and paint the landscape. I
Influences
John Singer Sargent Tim Storrier Lawrence Daws
Awards
Overall, Winner - Mackay Art on Show, 2018. Overall, Winner - Mackay Art on Show, 2024, Finalist - Clayton Utz Prize. Finalist - John Gravellier Art Prize. Over 30 commendations and a few other prizes. Over 30 commendations and a few other prizes.
Exhibitions
Defiance Gallery Sydney Larapinta Group Show - Defiance Gallery I & II, 2011. Larapinta group show - Moree Plains Gallery. Also, Larapinta group show - Nowra regional gallery, 2012. Kelton Plains Residency Exhibition - Defiance gallery in Cooma, 2017. Walcha gallery, 2019. Group Exhibition - Milton House Gallery, 2020. Group Exhibition - Milton House Gallery, 2024. Group Exhibition - Art Space Mackay Regional Gallery, 2025. Solo Exhibition - Waltzing Matilda Centre Winton, 2026.
Website
