Public Choice Award
Scott McDougall at opening night with his work Winter's last light, Tenterfield NSW.
The Public Choice Award was determined by visitors to the exhibition and announced on Monday 18th November.
Congratulations to Scott McDougall for winning this award with his work Winter's last light, Tenterfield NSW.
Read our interview with Scott below.
What inspired you to create this artwork?
I used to travel overseas to gather material for my paintings. I was fascinated with the theme of displaced European Architecture found in other foreign countries like Cuba, Vietnam and South America. For decades I was an urban landscape painter travelling the world.
Covid-19 changed that overnight!
I was isolated in a very small village in Northern NSW and suddenly cut off from my inspiration. With no idea how long we would be in lock down mild panic ensued and I had rethink everything I was going to do. I decided I had to find subject matter locally. After thirty years living in a very busy, highly populated inner Sydney suburb and having recently moved to Stokers Siding in Northern NSW I really struggled with the open, very lush green countryside of the Tweed Valley. I'm not comfortable painting green but I gave it a shot.
After a few months a neighbouring LGA was opened up and I decided, for my sanity, to venture west to explore the Northern Tablelands. It was here I discovered the amazing countryside just west of Tenterfield. It epitomised my ideal of the Australian landscape – sparse, dry and not much evidence of human habitation other than the struggle to tame the land. A land of sweeping vistas, dry grass, boulders and sheep.
I have fallen in love with my own country. What an unexpected result, thanks to Covid-19!
Winter's last light, Tenterfield NSW | Scott McDougall
Can you describe your creative process for this piece? What techniques or materials did you use?
The subject matter for my entry Winter's last light, Tenterfield NSW was the result of a trip one April a couple of years ago. I usually drive around in the early morning or late afternoon chasing the light. It’s a short window of time where the light is quite golden and it’s appropriately called ‘The Golden Hour’. A time of day favoured by many artists. It lasts maybe 30 - 40 mins and I got the perfect shot at 5.45pm.
I’m a studio painter so I need the photo reference to work from. The light is far too fleeting to capture en plein air. As you stand there you can actually watch the shadows crawl across the landscape. When I get back to my studio I edit the photos, experimenting with composition by cropping the image in different ways and adjusting the colours to how I want it. There is usually a marked difference from the photo to what I paint because I try to create the feeling of the light and the experience of a particular time. I can, more often than not, feel emotionally moved and connected with the landscape as I stand still, breathe in the crisp air and feel the spirit of the land around me without another living soul to be seen.
That’s what I try to capture in my work.
I feel this painting has that stillness and that otherworldly glow.
I work in oils on canvas.
'Tenterfield Gold' oil on canvas 91cm x 122cm by Scott McDougal, which won first prize in The Doyles Art Award in 2023.
How does it feel to have your work recognised by the public? What do you think resonated with viewers?
It’s always interesting to have your work displayed to the public. I do wonder what other people actually see.
Sometimes realism is dismissed as being just a copy of a photo. That’s pretty shallow thinking. You have to look deeper into all works. There is a reason an artist has chosen to paint in a certain style, there is meaning in the capture and execution of the subject matter. There is a story in every painting.
I think my painting resonated with viewers because it is their landscape, it is unquestionably their Australia, it is their, maybe unconscious, connection to the spirit of our land.
What are you working on next? Are there any upcoming exhibitions or projects you're excited about?
I’m working towards a solo exhibition at Weswal Gallery, Tamworth, 23 July to 17 August, 2025
What advice would you give to young artists who are just starting out?
Trust in yourself and just go for it!
I studied and trained as an art teacher and taught art for 10 years but painted and exhibited at the same time. I quit teaching to paint professionally. You have to have the drive, you have to be prepared for hardship, but if you break through it’s a wonderful life.
On opening night you spoke about your relationship with Philip Bacon, could you tell us more about this?
I approached Phillip when I was still at teachers College in Brisbane. The audacity of youth! I think I was about 20 years old at the time. I knew I wanted to be a full-time artist. but didn’t know how to start. He was wonderful. My work wasn’t up to the standard necessary for exhibition and my subject matter was scattered. Phillip was gentle with his advice, constructively critical of what I had presented. He acknowledged a glimmer of talent and said come back in a year and show me where you are at.
I kept in touch and I look back now and think it amazing he had the time to chat with me when he had the likes Jeffry Smart, Justin O’Brien and Tim Storrier in his gallery.
About three years later Phillip was involved in a new venture. The restoration and opening of Cintra House Galleries in Bowen Hills, Brisbane. A magnificent heritage listed mansion with views across the Brisbane River. Phillip offered me the opening exhibition. It was a truly amazing start for me and I owe Phillip so much for giving me such a chance. I had two exhibitions at Cintra House before I left teaching and moved to Sydney to pursue painting full-time.
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