Aboriginal Paintings |
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Aboriginal Paintings
Aboriginal Paintings come in many different sizes, forms, styles, mediums and prices. The paintings vary as widely as the people who paint them. Australia is a vast country and this has led to great differences between Indigenous people of different areas. This is reflected heavily in their paintings. Whilst there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to Aboriginal paintings, there are some distinguishing factors that enable us to loosely group Aboriginal paintings together. Please understand though that the information on this page is a generalisation to be used as a beginners guide to Aboriginal paintings. The styles in each region can also vary greatly within that region and there are many situations where styles overlap or contradict the generalisations outlined here. We will be adding more information in greater detail on the styles of Aboriginal Paintings throughout each region in the near future. The information on this page is a good start for someone who wants to learn a little bit about Aboriginal paintings.
Aboriginal Paintings: Central / Aboriginal paintings from the Central and Western Desert region of Australia are mainly painted using Acrylic paints. These are the kind of paints available in most art supply stores. They are usually painted on canvas and sometimes linen. Several of the distinguishing features of Aboriginal Paintings from these areas are the bright colours and intricate dotting.
Aboriginal Paintings from the Kimberley region of Western Australia are vastly different. Paintings from this region are usually painted using ochre paint, also known as natural earth pigments. Ochre is derived from the ground and is completely natural. The Ochre is then mixed and blended to create different colours. This is by no means easy and the ability to mix ochre is an art form that can make a massive difference to the finished painting. Ochre has a much thicker and sometimes rougher texture than acrylic paint. Ochre is what the Aboriginals used when painting on rocks and in caves and what they applied to their body for ceremonies. Because of the thickness and the crusty texture of a lot of ochre pigments, Aboriginal paintings painted with this medium can not be rolled like acrylic artworks and must remain stretched as the ochre can crack if rolled. Ochre paint is extremely durable and long lasting though. Remember, there are many rock and cave paintings that have lasted well over 30,000 years. Naturally, ochre Aboriginal paintings are usually made up of strong earthy tones and colours with striking reds, yellows and blacks. Expert artists are able to mix the ochres though to create soft pinks, greens and yellows as well.
The style of paintings from the "top end" is one of the most distinguishable of all the styles of Aboriginal paintings. These intricate, crosshatched images tell the story of ancestral transformations and traditional scenes featuring mythical spirit beings. You will also notice that often the native animals are depicted as x-ray with their bones and internal organs showing through. Paintings from Arnhem Land are often undertaken on bark. Before other mediums such as canvas was widely available, Aboriginal Artists would often paint their stories on bark to sell or give as presents to the white man. Bark paintings such as this date back to the 1930's and the tradition has continued to this day. Aboriginal Paintings on bark are now considered "fine art" and often are considered extremely valuable due to their fragile nature. Paintings on paper are also very popular from this region as well as screen printings. Arnhem Land paintings are one of the few styles that may look more aesthetically pleasing when mounted behind glass. Arnhem Land aboriginal artists are also famous for their weavings made of bark, hairstring and grasses as well as spectacular sculptures.
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LInks To History Sections
- All About Aboriginal Art: Overview of different styles of Aboriginal Art
- The Artist Perspective: Aboriginal Artists share some thoughts on Aboriginal Art
- A Customer's Interesting Comment: Plus an insight into some of the Aboriginal Artists
- The Art Of Survival of Aboriginal Culture, Aboriginal Tradition and Aboriginal Dreaming
- Painters & Artists Of The Kimberley
- Bradshaw Aboriginal Art of the Kimberley
- Wandjina Rock Aboriginal Art
- Contemporary Australian Aboriginal Art
- Aboriginal Art Works Look behind the Website
- Aboriginal Art Graphic Symbols and Meanings
- Ochre Aboriginal Art: Find out more about the natural pigment used as paint for thousands of years
- Aboriginal Paintings: Information on the different styles of paintings from the many regions throughout Australia
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Customer Testimonials
- Customer Testimonials
I wanted to send on an enormous thank you to your family and its business.
I picked up the painting today from the framers, it is absolutely mesmerising.
Thanks for making the purchase of this beautiful artwork possible.
All the best to you, I hope your business prospers and thrives.
Should we consider another purchase in the coming years we will look you up,
and you will be highly recommended to anyone else we know who is interested in Aboriginal art.
Nyree, VIC
I received Deanne Peters's work today in the post.
This is the first ever piece of art that I have bought let alone through the Internet.
I love it. I appreciated the opportunity to buy a piece that I work afford within my
budget and I think it is a great idea to produce smaller pieces.
Now I just have to start saving for another.
Amanda, Ireland
Thanks so much. Ms Peter's work is absolutely beautiful.
I must stop looking at the website.
I'll run out of wall space!
Louise, ACT
Thanks so much for your e-mail, I am really looking forward to receiving my
paintings, and will let you know when they arrive.
Thanks so much for the kind friendly manner in which you have been with me,
I appreciate that.
Karen, UK
Thank you so much. I’m looking forward to receive Helen’s Water Dreaming.
I like the drawing and the colours a lot. Christopher Churchill’s Desert Nights is my favourite picture.
Often I pass by, have a look at it and smile. It is a very special picture for me.
Ursula, Switzerland
Just wanted to let you know I received my lovely painting.
Please pass on my thanks to Jeannie.
It's absolutely beautiful!
Lindy, VIC
Paintings arrived on Wednesday and they are great!
Thanks for your help.
Nathan, Canada
The two Alan Griffiths paintings arrived safely today.
So well packed. Thank you for dispatching them so punctually.
We are thrilled with them and currently debating wall alternatives.
Axel, NSW
My picture arrived this morning!!
It is quite wonderful.
Thank you so much for sending it.
Missing your red earth and sun.
Jill, UK
This is to let you know that the two
paintings by Churchill Cann and
Charlene Carrington arrived home safely
and in good condition.
They look beautiful on our walls.
Should you happen to see Churchill and
Charlene we would be very grateful if
you would thank them and let them know
how much we admire and respect their work.
Bill and Margo, ACT
The artworks have arrived.
All pieces are just beautiful.
Thank you very much.
Meg, UK
We recently purchased “Wild
Passionfruit and Tomato” by Margaret
Davis Kemarre during our visit to
your gallery in Kununurra. It was
delivered to our home in Sydney
last week. We just wanted to let you
know it had arrived safely and that
we are very happy with our purchase.
Thank you for your assistance.
Philip and Elizabeth, NSW
Just wanted to let you know that I've
received my art piece.I'm thrilled.
I appreciate the photo of Cindy & bio.
It makes it much more personal....
It's like I've met Cindy.
Give her my thanks and her willingness
to share her talent and vision.
Walt, USA
I've been meaning to send you a note to say thank you and we're very happy.
The painting arrived quickly and it's up on the wall and looks great.
Cathy, NSW
Just to let you know the artwork was well received today,
and I am very pleased with it.
Thanks again for your excellent service.
Lene, Denmark
The most beautiful Kudditji painting has arrived this morning, it is so magnificent.
It took my breath away!! Thank you very much.
Karen, NSW
I received my beautiful Bush Leaves canvas by Jeannie Petyarre last week.
I bought it on a very rushed visit to Kununurra enroute from Warmun to Darwin.
The minute I saw it I knew it was what I had been looking for.
It is at the framers now for stretching onto a frame. I can not wait to hang it in my home.
Thank you so much for getting it to me in such good condition.
I'm so glad I popped into your gallery for what I said would be a "quick walk through.
Luckily my friend in Warmun had said "make sure you go to Artlandish".
Having had the opportunity to spend time in an indigenous community
I feel blessed to have such a beautiful artwork.
Please place me on your mailing list.
Best wishes
Sue
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