An outstanding new painting, The Skateboarder and Life Guard possesses a playful parody and simple yet powerful composition. This painting explores a signature theme of the artist’s - complimentary opposites.
Melbourne model Hudson, who Watson has painted twice before, appears as the epitome of a carefree and sporty young Australian surveying his native coastline. In striking contrast, a rigid and formal British Royal Life Guard stares straight ahead, watching the viewer, still and silent, resplendent in an astonishingly detailed uniform.
The Skateboarder and Life Guard may be viewed as a development or hybrid of Watson’s very popular paintings Two Life Guards and Untitled #01/18 both of which were painted in 2018. A striking feature in this new work is the mirror image of the figures outer arms, and the perfect parallel alignment of their arms on the righthand side. The dazzling principal colours of emerald green and scarlet further reinforces the theme of complimentary opposites.
Destined to be an exhibition favourite, this iconic painting required one month’s continual dedication by the artist, superbly rendering the extraordinary detail which is breath taking to observe.
Collector Testimonials
"I have been a proud collector of Ross' paintings for many years. His art is astounding in its beauty, emotion, and reverence for our humanity and the world we live in. His attention to the smallest details, and use of light, dark and colour, rivals art's greatest masters." James J. O'Donnell, Patron, art collector, NYC
"We are loving our new acquisition and we know that 'Nathan, view to Florence' will bring us endless years of joy. Thanks for sharing your talent. We love your work so keep it up!" Paul Zahra and Duncan Peerman, Sydney
"As avid art collectors we are very proud to have Ross' stunningly handsome work in our collection. His art brings us great joy and we love to share his work with our friends and visitors. We were absolutely thrilled to recently add 'Two Soldiers' to our collection." Christopher Cosier & Chris Webber, Sydney
"I purchased the original painting 10 years ago at your gallery during Mardi Gras and it has given me enormous pleasure ever since. I remember standing in the gallery for a couple of hours wondering if I should buy it. I have never regretted that decision." Jon Anderson and Lance Johnson, Palm Springs
"Your art hanging around our home provides us with such pleasure, and we can’t wait for A-Bay to join the Ross Watson family." Haydon Elliot and Greg Moses, Melbourne
