From Watson's popular Silence series, this arresting new artwork, The Lookout, Dusk demands our attention, and offers a heart warming tranquil scene. Diffused golden light marks the time of day as unmistakably dusk as the soldier sleeps - his dog in contrast on the lookout. Both the uniform and tent are World War I period - the initial inspiration derived from the artist observing the making of a period film.
"In 1988 David Stevens directed a film called Always Afternoon, which was set in Australia during the First World War. He invited me to observe the making of it, and what captured my attention was the actors waiting off-set, relaxing in the sun, some sleeping, on a spectacularly beautiful coastline." wrote Watson.
Featuring in this charming new painting is the artist's close friend Micheal Hayes, and Watson's beloved fox terrier Zorro, who Watson first painted in Jason and Zorro, Venice. Effectively employing a low level perspective, and an eye-catching pyramid shaped composition, the artist thereby dramatises the subject matter.
A band of deep blue ocean and mauve mountains provide colour in a muted and restrained colour palette. Watson referenced his original late 1980's drawings and photos of the film set's period tents for The Lookout, Dusk. His1987 artwork, Set, featuring the period tents, is included in the Sydney art collection of the leading international law firm Allens Arthur Robinson.
