Leon Holmes

The colors of Australia touch so many people everyday, from the scorched sunburn red earth of the deserts to the snow white dunes and turquoise waters of the beaches here every Australian loves to play under forever blue skies. But the colors of Australia touch no one like they do for artist Leon Holmes.

Leon Holmes' impressive portfolio of works are displayed on the walls of many private collectors and a number of large national and international corporations.

Being West Australian born and bred has inspired many of his works, which feature scenes such as Rottnest, the Swan River and metro Perth, with his gallery and studio located in Fremantle. Despite such, travel to the most remote corners of Australia has also influenced his body of work.

In 2006 Leon set out alone in his mobile home/studio to explore some of the most remote landscapes and seascapes of the country. His journey took him from the rain forests of Tasmania through to the dry deserts of central Australia, finishing with sailing to remote islands off the north west coast.

Leon clambered down deep gorges and climbed rugged outcrops with his paint box and easel, to paint scenes and history bathed in the unique light and colors that only this country has to offer.

On his return Leon said "The sensational vibrancy of colors that the Australian landscape provides is what excites me most, along with the untouched quality of the land and the remarkable lifestyles of those who live in and around the outback communities."

Leon's oil paintings capture the essence of light, using colors he describes as Pilbara red, Flinders violet and Australian gold as well as more conventional tones such as ultramarine, turquoise, pastel pinks and a range of light enhancing yellows and luscious greens.

He takes time to study the effects of light and atmosphere on each subject and will often make sketches annotated with color descriptions before embarking on a final work. Occasionally he will use photography as a reference point but insists that a snapshot can never quite capture the true details of light, color, dimension and atmosphere.

"You have to be there. To be part of it. I'm forever looking at and studying my surroundings. I can't even enjoy a simple sunset without studying some part of it. Even when I drive down the freeway I'm looking at cloud patterns and the light bouncing of trees."

Leon admits that he used to draw a lot of inspiration from the early Australian impressionists, people like Tom Roberts and Arther Streeton. However, now he draws that same inspiration from the Australian way of life and nature itself. Having developed a totally personal style, Leon balances a loose, 'paint filled' and 'texturous' technique with a sensitive eye for detail.

In 2008 Leon Holmes was commissioned by Multiplex Living to paint over 200 works of art for the launch of 'The Leighton'. The large development at
Leighton beach housed Australia's most expensive apartment ($15 million) just minutes north of Fremantle. About 300 exclusive guests from around the
world were invited to the opening where the works were displayed in a custom built gallery/function room.

Throughout the year Leon works on private and corporate commissions, and is continuously creating artworks for public and solo exhibitions.