Ted Lewis

Ted Lewis

 Ted Lewis’s paintings are faithful documentations of the Australian landscape and its people. His occasional use of saturated colours makes for a charming visual experience, and the light impressionist style gives his works a subtle dream-like quality. Ted Lewis is an Australian artist who has been painting full-time for over 30 years. He held his first one-man exhibition at the Hesley Gallery in Orange, NSW, in 1976 at the age of 18. Since then, he has been gaining praise exhibiting in Orange, Bathurst, Peak Hill, South Port (Queensland), Canberra, Canowindra and of course in Sydney with Wentworth. Ted is known for his great love of the Australian Bush. He takes his paints with him wherever he goes and tries to capture the light and vibrancy of the ever-changing landscapes that range from the colourful beaches to the brilliant reds and blues of Central Australia. The country and its unique character are an endless source of his inspiration. Ted Lewis’s style is in keeping with a great tradition of realist Australian landscape painters, with the occasional hint of the contemporary, seen in his use of colour and brushwork. The artist likes to experiment with acrylics while using oil to produce subtle changes in light and atmosphere. Ted is often inspired by poetry and he has produced a series of works on the basis of the works of an Australian bush poet Banjo Paterson. His works are featured in collections all over Australia, USA, England, Norway, New Zealand and Europe. Technique and Style“I try to tell a story with every picture.”Ted Lewis’s ability to capture the beauty and light of the rural landscape is remarkable. His favourite scenes to paint are droving, the Outback or the bush, but he is equally captivated by the Sydney beaches, the lively Harbour, or The Rocks area in central Sydney. One would almost think we are looking at classic scenery from the late 19th century if it wasn’t for an occasional painting of an urban landscape. Despite his realist depictions, he also has a contemporary side with vibrant colours and impressionist renditions. Ted Lewis often introduces the motive of people into his compositions, and much like in impressionist paintings, they are either depicted on a leisurely day, lounging by the sea, or taking a peaceful stroll in the forest, or they are silently engaging in their day’s labour. Both are depicted with gentleness and sympathy. The people are never studied in great detail and they seem to be almost a part of the environment. A soft light filtering through the clouds is characteristic for this artist’s paintings, and there are rarely any sharp contrasts present. However, his colours are often richandcsaturated, while the palette he uses varies greatly with each painting. An Australian landscape painting of Ted Lewis has a gentle dream-like quality and is clearly painted with the affection of someone who understands it intimately. Why collect? Ted Lewis’s paintings are a true-to-life reflection of the nature and atmosphere of the unique land of Australia. His characteristic studies of the country and its people offer a pleasant visual experience with a tinge of nostalgia. Ted's magnificent works make are keenly sought after by those with an affection for the Australian landscape.