This charming new painting offers a close up and intimate scene of a young soldier reading at a pristine sunny coastline. Captain Reading is the first depiction of the Melbourne model, Jack Fordham, a friend of Watson’s.
From the artist’s Silence series, the painting is imbued with the same qualities of the popular series - stillness, peaceful relaxation, and isolation. A low viewing point offers the viewer the feeling of relaxing on the grass close to him in this simple and balanced composition.
Blue mountains rise from bright unspoiled beaches, which taper into the distance and the scene's central point, reinforcing the focused ultra-real detail of the soldier and foreground.
"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
