Andrew McIlroy              May 2006

Art Equity's Barrack Gallery last week released an exclusive selection of new oils on canvas by emerging artist Andrew McIlroy to an overwhelming response.

Two thirds of the works were sold within 1 hour whilst the remaining pieces had been secured by the end of the week.

McIlroy's style is influenced by both traditional and modernist figurative painting.

The artists interest in classical and contemporary work is what makes his style unique.

Landscapes depict an idealized pastoral arcadia and the sublime - continuing the Australian landscape tradition.

His work contains references to 19th Century masters such as John Glover, Eugene Von Gerrard and Buvelot. Other traditional influences include the European classicists - such as Poussin.

In this latest body of work ones sees the influence of the great English painters - notably Joseph Mallord William Turner - the father of modernism and impressionism in Britain. This links McIlroy's work to the whole of Western European landscape painting.

In capturing the essence of atmosphere, the blurring and diffusion of horizon with light and sky - he is very close to Turner in these works.

McIlroy also shows concern with form, colour, and painterliness - displaying strong similarities to some of the leading names in Australian contemporary art. For example; Tim Storrier, Martine Emdur, Jason Benjamin.

The artist has recently moved to from Melbourne to Sydney to concentrate on painting full time.

His current body of work may be viewed at Barrack Gallery until the 16th May 2006 or at www.artequity.com.au





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