The first major solo exhibition of Shellharbour artist Anthony Langlands is now on show at Shellharbour Civic Centre until the end of September. It is part of the Shellharbour City Council’s ongoing ‘Artist of the Month' program promoting local talent.
Anthony’s paintings are extraordinary landscapes and seascapes of the Shellharbour region. He likes to concentrate on the local area as it means something to the community members and offers easy engagement with his work as they recognise the scenery.
On display are stunning scenes showcasing Shellharbour, including the Boat Harbour, Shellharbour Marina, popular Killalea surf spot The Farm, a view north from Bass Point at Shellharbour, Little Lake Bridge at Barrack Point, as well as Windang Island and the picturesque Nellies Glen Waterfall at the back of Jamberoo in Budderoo National Park.
Anthony is a self-taught artist who has been painting for 35 years. Although he has sold many paintings during that period, art remains his hobby rather than full-time work. Gaining recognition has been hard at times, he says, but there has definitely been a more positive shift towards the local art scene. Anthony says he appreciated the invitation from Shellharbour Marina to display his work in the Yachtsmen’s Lounge and from Shellharbour City Council to exhibit at the Civic Centre.
In addition to modern landscapes, Anthony likes to paint historical images. He has an affinity with the “early history and beauty” of the Shellharbour region and hopes his “work will serve as a reflection of what it looked like at a certain point in our history.” Anthony painted a spectacular image of Shellharbour Harbour from 1900 that includes the boat store and jetty.
Anthony took a couple of months off from his fulltime role at Wollongong City Council to complete 23 artworks for the Civic Centre exhibition. He is looking forward to retiring soon and being able to spend more time on his art.
His work can be viewed on his Facebook page Changa’s Art – a lifelong nickname from his younger football days – and he can be contacted by phone on 0423 200 140 or emailed at anthonylanglands50@gmail.com
For more information
Shellharbour Civic Centre is at 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre, phone 4221 6111, visit the website