McKenzies forthcoming May sale is representative of the firm’s mainstay, focussing on Australian and International art with a strong showing of local artists. Larry Mitchell’s sought-after, often large-scale scenic depictions of ocean and sky, have gained a following amongst local and national buyers. Two of his paintings, Lot 19 “Moses Rock” (in the Margaret River region of WA), estimated at $10,000-15,000 and Lot 10 “Murchison River – Looking North” are typically representative of this artist.
Notable Australian works include an iconic Ray Crooke 1922-2015, “Islanders” (Lot 12 ) typical of the theme inspired by Crooke’s time in the South West Pacific; a delicate mountain scene circa 1890 by Haughton Forrest 1826-1925 (Lot 29 ) – possibly depicting Frenchman’s Cap, Tasmania, and William Rubery Bennett’s (1893-1987) two small impressionist landscapes, sensitively capturing the changing light and weather of southern NSW (Lot 2 ) & (Lot 18 ).
Western Australian artists are strongly represented, including three works by Howard Taylor (1918-2001), displaying a masterful distillation of light and form. Three painterly landscapes of the Darling Ranges and native bush by Allon Cook (1907-1971).
Michael Challen (1957-2011) produced dream-like images concerned with light and shade, often placing the human form in the natural environment, as seen in “Children by the Stream – Morning Light” (Lot 6 ) and “Off Jeanie’s Pool, Rottnest” (Lot 5 ).
A charming pastel portrait, “Portrait of Tricia Gibson” (Lot 1 ) by WA artist Lorna Prendiville (1917-1992), and three fascinating preparatory watercolour sketches (lot 70) by the veteran Frank Pash (1920-1990) are both period-pieces and examples of the breadth of subject and style characteristic of the eclectic nature of art in WA.
Pablo Picasso’s playful ceramics never fail to generate interest, a joyful 1950s Madoura-Edition work "Petit Pichou de Hibou" (Lot 86 ) is expected to attract international bids, and new buyers unfamiliar with the riches of the local market in Western Australia.
There are some resonant indigenous pieces, including some very fine, early 20thc carved shields, boomerangs and a particularly beautiful woomera from the Western Desert region, carved with geometric patterns. Rover (Julama) Thomas (c1926-1998) – “Texas Downs” (Lot 111 ), Queenie McKenzie (1930-1988) “Purnalulu” (Lot 124 ) and Jack Brittan c1921-2002 (Lot 125 ) are represented, along with Lily Karadada (b. c1937) etching ‘’Wandjina, Snake, Goanna, Turtle”, (Lot 117 ) from an edition of 30.
