Australian Synthesis 1

By Steve Freestone

Experience the Ancient Soul of the Australian Landscape.

Discover a collection where raw observation meets spiritual connection. Australian Synthesis 1 invites you to witness the oldest land on earth through the masterful lens of Steve Freestone.

Process Over Product: A Journey in Paint

Steve Freestone’s work is not merely a depiction of scenery; it is an exploration of the artistic process itself. At the heart of Australian Synthesis 1 lies a dedication to the fundamental pillars of painting:

• Observation: Capturing the immediate emotional impact of the land through plein-air sketches.
• Form & Brushwork: Building texture and depth that mirrors the rugged terrain.
• Color as Composition: Using vibrant hues to guide the eye and evoke feeling.

Freestone channels the spirit of Abstract Expressionists like Hans Hofmann and Richard Diebenkorn, utilising central perspective and light to draw viewers deep into the horizon. Expanding on Vincent Van Gogh’s mastery of complementary colours, he employs colour not just for description, but as a deliberate compositional device that directs your gaze to the painting's emotional core.

A Spiritual Connection to Ancient Earth

This series is driven by a profound spiritual bond with the Australian continent. Freestone’s canvases transport you to some of the most remote and ancient locations on the planet:

• The Northern Territory
• Far North Queensland
• The Kimberley
• Karijini National Park

Anyone who has stood before the magnificent gorges, rivers, and red deserts of Australia’s North and West understands the overwhelming emotional power of these vistas. Australian Synthesis 1 captures that specific "love of nature"—translating the vastness of the outback into intimate, powerful works of art.

"Freestone captures the heat and the silence of the Kimberley like no other. His use of colour doesn't just show you the landscape; it makes you feel it."

Sarah J. - Art Collector

Main artwork - Uluru – Northern Territory, Oil on Canvas, 102 x 76 cm - image provided by the artist

About Steve

Steve Freestone is a landscape artist deeply connected to the spiritual power of the Australian continent. Represented by Mirage Gallery in Perth, he has dedicated his career to capturing the rugged vistas of the Kimberley, Kakadu, and the Western Desert. His extensive exhibition history features solo shows at Yering Art Gallery and The Waterwheel Gallery, alongside significant group exhibitions with Yarra Valley Arts.

Shaped by the mentorship of renowned artists such as Rick Amor and Sally Smart during his time at Monash University, Steve’s practice moves beyond mere representation to explore the emotional resonance of place. His "Western Synthesis" series and plein-air studies reflect a lifelong commitment to interpreting the ancient land. You can discover his portfolio online through Mirage Gallery, YAVA, and Gallery Gift

Join us at the Opening (free event)

Saturday, 7 February at 2pm. Steve Freestone will be in attendance to share the stories behind his work and answer your questions. Enjoy light refreshments and be among the first to experience this captivating new exhibition.