Subtleties of the Atmosphere
Artists Palette|No 170
The accomplishments of this highly experienced artist are numerous, as evidenced by his membership of several prestigeous art societies in New South Wales.
Trevor Lang
Subtleties of the Atmosphere

John Shields is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of History and Arts; a Life Member and Past President of the Macquarie Towns Arts Society; an Exhibiting Member of the New South Wales Royal Art Society; and a Life Member of the Baulkham Hills Art Society.

He was born at Pennant Hills in suburban Sydney. He now lives and paints at Richmond on Sydney’s northern outskirts.

Aside from receiving some tuition at Wagga Wagga Teachers’ College (19531954), and subsequently completing an Arts Degree at the University of New England, John has been largely self-taught. Australian artists who have influenced his work include Gruner, Streeton, Heysen and Robert Johnson.

The main characteristics of this artist’s work are ‘atmosphere and light’. His main interest is endeavouring to capture the varying light effects of the Australian landscape … the fog mists of early mornings, the harsh shimmering midday heat or the glorious glow and haze of the afternoon. At all times, he strives to capture the subtleties of the Australian atmosphere.

This story is from the No 170 edition of Artists Palette.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the No 170 edition of Artists Palette.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ARTISTS PALETTEView All
Eye of Observation
Artists Palette

Eye of Observation

Draw, draw, and draw some more; develop your artist’s eye of observation. Sterling advice from a lady who believes that seeing shapes in paintings requires a truly ‘arty’ eye.

time-read
6 mins  |
No 172
Pelicans To Portraits
Artists Palette

Pelicans To Portraits

This lady has painted everything from pelicans to portraits. She has completed commissions including cats, dogs, horses, possums, numerous beach scenes … and even a Scottish piper.

time-read
5 mins  |
No 172
Gregory John Brennan: Lost Profession
Artists Palette

Gregory John Brennan: Lost Profession

Looking back on his early career as a bulldozer driver, this rural New South Wales painter laments the days when he was too young to appreciate his outstanding potential as an artist.

time-read
3 mins  |
No 172
Pastels: Once We Were Important
Artists Palette

Pastels: Once We Were Important

A simplified and well named painting tells a powerful and interesting story. This clever pastel artist is delighted to share her techniques for the benefit of others.

time-read
4 mins  |
No 172
Fibre Art
Artists Palette

Fibre Art

This artist feels that the hardest lesson she had to learn was to believe in herself … and once she did that, everything started to fall into place and her confidence grew.

time-read
5 mins  |
No 172
Water Lily Magic
Artists Palette

Water Lily Magic

Instead of paper and paint, this artist uses fabric and threads … and she uses a sewing machine instead of a brush. The textures, colours and prints of fabrics thrown together with threads fascinate her, and often give inspiration for her designs.

time-read
2 mins  |
No 172
Loading Wheat – 1920s
Artists Palette

Loading Wheat – 1920s

It is rare to see an artist displaying this level of skill and understanding in capturing the activity and atmosphere of bygone days from Australia’s agricultural history.

time-read
1 min  |
No 172
‘Jama' – King Cheetah
Artists Palette

‘Jama' – King Cheetah

This exquisitely talented lady believes that every artist has failures … but it is important to remember that every success is better than the one before.

time-read
5 mins  |
No 172
Blahuta's Ute
Artists Palette

Blahuta's Ute

Early in the year we ran a feature about ‘Utes in the Paddock’ – a landmark project by several notable artists. In this article, one of those artists shares his story and some of his views … and describes the process of creating his own piece of an amazing collaborative work.

time-read
4 mins  |
No 172
Artists Palette

Artists' Easels

Many important tools are employed by artists in creating their paintings. Artists’ easels are now available in a host of styles and configurations to enhance the creative process. Some of your favourite art materials suppliers are more than pleased to highlight a selection of the many products being offered.

time-read
7 mins  |
No 172