West Gate Freeway Portal

‘West Gate Freeway Portal’ is a recent addition to my Melbourne Icons series of paintings which include historic and contemporary buildings, bridges, structures and signs.  Apart from the beauty of these structures, I am also inspired by the way in which their angles and curves can frame or link their surroundings - visually as well as physically.

Using a hard edge, minimalist style, vibrant colour and bold composition, my work is generally underpinned by the concept of ‘less is more’.  Here I have chosen what may be perceived as a banal image familiar to Melbourne drivers and emphasised its striking form and angles by placing it against a vivid blue background.   In addition, the painting utilises a reduced but contrasting colour scheme and limited details.  There are no cars on the freeway, nor buildings in the distance.   Consequently, the dramatic nature of the composition is emphasised.  Meanwhile, the inclusion of a singular clump of foliage provides a softening element amongst the relative severity of the remaining forms.