Press Centre

Media Release

Sunday 17 February 2002

Brushstrokes of History at Ricketts Point Today

Artists from across Melbourne, along with relatives of some of Australia's most famous artists from the Heidelberg School, will turn back the clock over 100 years this morning on the beach at Ricketts Point, Beaumaris to launch 'Brushstrokes of the Coast.'

The 'Paint Out' is being held on the site where Tom Roberts painted 'The Sunny South' in the summer of 1886/1887 during a summer vacation with Frederick McCubbin, and Louis Abrahams from the Heidelberg School.

The 'Brushstrokes of the Coast' project, sponsored by the Victorian Coastal Council, to promote the cultural and heritage value of Victoria's coastline, will become part of the educational art website 'In the Artists Footsteps", which is promoted to educational institutions, and art institutions throughout Australia and the world.

John Withers, grandson of Walter Withers, and Peter Parsons, grandson of Elizabeth Parsons, with Diane James, Chairman of the Victorian Coastal Council will officially launch the project with the initial brushstrokes on a new canvas.

Announcing the project, Ms Diane James said, "The unique program would provide a community focus on the importance of coastal areas in the arts and a link to the education system."

Ms James said that the translation of coastal views with the passion and vision of the artists added another dimension to the appreciation of the Victorian Coast and also provided a vehicle to encourage more painting and drawing within the coastal regions.

Artists including Tom Roberts, Eugene von Guerard, Walter Withers, Albert Cooke, Elizabeth Parsons, Charles Conder, Nicholas Chevalier, Flora Gregson, Frederick McCubbin, William Tibbits, James Turner, Frederick Bruford and engraver Samuel Calvert will be featured in the collection.

Areas to be included in the project are spread throughout the three Victorian Coastal Council regions and include the Western Region - Lorne, Warrnambool, Apollo Bay, Cape Otway and Port Campbell; Central Coast Region - Point Lonsdale, Geelong, Williamstown, St Kilda, Beaumaris, Mentone, Mornington and Phillip Island; Gippsland Region - Wilson's Promontory, Lakes Entrance, Gabo Island, Wonthaggi and Mallacoota.

Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith In the Artist's Footsteps (03) 9818 5700, Mobile 0417 329 201

Left: Arthur Streeton - Above Us The Great Grave Sky, 1890
Collection: National Gallery of Australia, Canberra.