Robert Malherbe's confident articulation of landscape and figurative subject matter has earned him the distinction of being one of Australia's most loved contemporary painters. His heavy impasto application of oils is as seductive as it is revealing of the pace in which he paints. Working only from life, Robert Malherbe is a master of light, confidently capturing fleeting moments in a vibrant impressionistic style, driven by instinct and gesture. Robert also paints a fine portrait. Portraiture is a very old artform and before the invention of photography was the only way to record the appearance of someone. Portraits have always been more than a record. They have been used to show power, importance, virtue, beauty, wealth, taste or other qualities of the sitter. Portraits have almost always been flattering due to the commission process. Artists have extended this by painting friends and lovers in whatever way they pleased. Photography is the new medium of traditional portraiture, making available to everyone what was formerly an expensive luxury product. Despite photography, portrait painting continues to flourish. A short film titled "The portraits progress" has been created for Art Signifikant members and will be released in November. Filmed by Simon Hewson members will experience Robert in the studio painting a portrait of James Dorahy, Program Director of Art Signifikant. Art Signifikant gratefully acknowledges the support of the City of Sydney through the Covid-19 Relief Grants Program for the production of this video to assist with online content development for our art education program. . . @robert_malherbe @jamesdorahy @fatografi_insta @cityofsydney #artsignifikant #arteducation #cityofsydney #michaelreidsydney #robertmalherbe (at Michael Reid Sydney) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGBSnSYj346/?igshid=13t4vohfvk8xo
