Paul Williams

Paul Williams

Biography
Born in 1940 Sydney, Australia. Lives and works as an artist in Sydney.

Artist Statement
My landscape paintings have a maritime theme and many of them are the product of my emotional connection with Middle Harbour, which is close to my home, and the Hawkesbury River.
I am intrigued by the contrasts between the geometric shapes of structures such as bridges, contrasting with the vast and fluid motions of the natural environment. In the process of abstraction I am mindful of the power of atmospherics to create a sense of mystery and an awareness of what seems hidden from view. Most of my work is derived from observation, memory and imagination.
As for my figurative work, I find a basic grounding in life drawing has been essential in pursuing a contemporary style. Matisse obliquely touched on this issue. He was asked why artists needed a model if they intended to deviate from it. He replied mischievously: “If there were no model, one would have nothing from which to deviate.” After a life drawing session I take several sketches home and work them up into paintings, sometimes working on six or eight at once. I always seem to be dealing with absurdity and gravitas. Can they coexist?
In my painting practice generally, essential factors are spontaneity, urgency and the unpredictable. There is a constant need to make decisions on how to instill more excitement in a work. When my work is going well I am excited at the prospect of something unexpected and beautiful happening. On completion, a painting must look as if it were done in a hurry notwithstanding the length of time it may have taken.
When people see my work I would like them to gain a novel insight into the subject being addressed by the artist and perhaps to sense the intense joy being felt in the process of creation.

Education
2010-2017 Workshop Arts Centre, Willoughby N.S.W.

Duo Exhibition
2021 Liminal Moments with Phillipa Butters, Thienny Lee Gallery, Sydney.
2019 Edge of the Id with Phillipa Butters, Thienny Lee Gallery, Sydney.
2018 Otherness with Phillipa Butters, Thienny Lee Gallery, Sydney.

Selected Group Exhibitions
2020 Ewart Art Prize, Workshop Arts Centre, Willoughby.
2019 artists of mosman: 2088, Mosman Art Gallery, Mosman
2018 artists of mosman: 2088, Mosman Art Gallery, Mosman
2017 Northern Beaches Art Prize Finalist, Northern Beaches.
2017 Nature, Gallery 307, Northbridge.
2017 A Touch of France and Australia, Gallery 307, Northbridge.
2017 Hunters Hill Art Prize Finalist, Hunter Hill.
2017 Mosman Artists 2088, Mosman Art Gallery, Mosman.
2017 Ewart Art Prize, Workshop Arts Centre, Willoughby.
2016 Mosman Artists 2088, Mosman Art Gallery, Mosman.
2016 Warringah Art Prize, Warringah Creative Space, Warringah.
2015 Works, Ewart Gallery, Willoughby.
2015 New Works, Gallery 307, Northbridge.
2015 Mosman Art Society Members, Mosman Art Gallery, Mosman.
2014 End of Year Exhibition, Gallery 307, Northbridge.
2014 Mosman Artists 2088, Mosman Art Gallery, Mosman.
2013 Workshop Art Centre Revealed, Willoughby City Council
2012 Three Mosman Artists, Fix8 Gallery, Freshwater.
2012 In Profile, Mosman Art Gallery, Mosman.
2012 Mosman Art Society Members, Mosman Art Gallery, Mosman.
2011 Outback, Gallery 307, Northbridge
2010 New Figures, Gallery 307, Northbridge.
2009 New Works, Gallery 41, Woolloomoo
2008 Three Figurative Artists, Borg Gallery, Green Point.
2006 New Horizons, Washhouse Gallery, Rozelle.
2005 Art Sydney 05, Sarah Roney Galleries Paddington, at Fox Studios.

Awards
2020 Overall Winner, Ewart Art Prize.
2017 Runner Up, Works on Paper, Northbridge Art Prize.
2017 Highly Commended, Works on Paper, Northbridge Art Prize.
2014 Winner, Painting Category, Northbridge Art Prize.
2013 Highly Commended (Drawing), Ewart Art Prize.
2012 Second Place (Works on Paper), Northbridge Art Prize.
2010 Winner, Works on Paper, Northbridge Art Prize.
2009 Highly Commended, Works on Paper, Northbridge Art Prize.

Associations
Member Workshop Arts Centre, Willoughby
Member Mosman Art Society
Member Art Gallery Society of New South Wales
Member Friends of Mosman Art Gallery
Associate of former Brandling Street Painters