Pittwater Life October 2023 Issue

Talent blooms in ‘Remaining Light’
Newport painter Simon Barlow says
his second exhibition with Studio
Gallery – ‘Remaining Light’ – brings
forth an exquisite body of work that
eloquently combines his dedication to perfecting
his artistic process and his quest
to immortalise his subjects.
“Within this exhibition, the viewer encounters
the ethereal remnants of light caressing
the surfaces of flowers, revealing
both the obvious and the suggested, the
tangible and the enigmatic – a captivating
ode to life’s final, elegiac moments of
beauty and wonder,” said Simon.
In the rich tapestry of artistic subjects,
Simon says he has found a muse that
perfectly encapsulates his preoccupation
with light: flowers.
These delicate and transient entities,
symbolising mortality, spirituality, symbolism,
and mythology, are the ideal medium
through which he expresses the profound
wonder that captivates his soul.
Eyes on Mann-made beauty
PETAL WORK: Simon’s stunningly vibrant and
detailed Peony Portrait (153cm x 153cm)
Simon’s paintings allow the viewer to
linger, where the fragile yet resilient petals
of a flower are illuminated by the gentle
Eye Doctors Mona Vale is
celebrating the expansion
of their specialist medical eye
practice. Established in 2012,
this outstanding clinic covers
all aspects of ocular health.
Showcasing the works of
local artists in their large
reception area has raised much
needed-funds for charities
such as Cambodia Vision, with
25 per cent of any sales generated
donated by the artist.
The practice’s current
feature artist is Stephen Mann,
a self-taught, local outdoor
landscape artist who has a
staggering 50 years’ experience
painting on location.
Stephen specialises in capturing
the Northern Beaches’
tranquil history, from Palm
Beach to Manly as well as Mosman
and the sheer beauty of
the Blue Mountains.
“Each piece composes life,
movement, history, originality,
atmosphere, balance and
composition, all created in pallet
knife or watercolour using
a selection of complimentary
colours,” said Stephen.
Stephen is well known for
taking on challenging, largesize
artworks, which he always
completes on location, rain,
hail or shine… this reputation
is what makes his artwork
extremely unique and collectable,
as no two paintings are
ever the same.
– NW
caress of ‘remaining light’.
“I see an opportunity to elevate the
ordinary to the extraordinary,” Simon said.
“By magnifying the intricate details and
unique qualities of each flower, I aim to
invite viewers to explore these subjects
in a new light, to appreciate the intricate
beauty that often goes unnoticed.
“I intend to ‘monumentalise’ my subject.”
The result of many months of work, the
paintings are created in oil on large canvases,
minimum size 153 x 153cm.
Simon began his painting journey on the
Northern Beaches 20 years ago, with solo
exhibitions in Avalon and Newport. His
paintings have found their way into collections
and homes across the globe.
Exhibition is 5 – 19 October, Studio Gallery,
3-7 Danks Street, Waterloo. – NW
*To view the paintings and more info
visit simonbarlow.com or studiogallerymelbourne.com.au
EYE DOCTORS: Stephen with his painting of the former Barrenjoey Boatshed.
*Follow Stephen’s journey
through Instagram on Stephenmann14
or check out his
amazing artwork at stephenmannart.com
Art Life
The Local Voice Since 1991
OCTOBER 2023
49