"SOHO GALLERIES at ART SYDNEY"
by
BRETT HAYES

Upon first inspection Brett Hayes' exquisitely detailed oil paintings reflect imagery of picturesque sky and land scapes.  

'Images of the sky and clouds can evoke many feelings which are varied for different people' says Hayes. 

Whilst the imagery shown is of the land and sky, Hayes' oeuvre is foremost about emotional response. This response is not only to the image he is representing but to everyday situations that the artist faces. The beautiful paintings serve as a metaphor to a world that is in a time of turmoil. As a result, the sentiments are not always pleasant. Some images evoke feelings of hope, renewal and contemplation whilst others are of loss, fear, anxiousness and uncertainty.   

'Through the use of emotion I hope to move past the clichéd image of a simple landscape and search for a deeper and more profound meaning'.     

The titles of each painting furthermore signify the importance of the outlook that Hayes experiences, and as a result, do not directly reference the place the image is from. The paintings could be of any sea or sky, the actual location is not of primary importance. 

Overall the artworks depict a juxtaposition of a sublime and almost spiritual sky and land scapes which simbolises all that is beautiful and perfect in nature, with a foreboding element which suggests a darker narrative. This use of a darker aspect highlights that something is askew in this dreamlike land and within the artists own environment.   

The paintings creation is built over many layers, using both thin and thick oil paint, usually working from dark to light, to ensure maximum luminosity and colour saturation.

Hayes' has drawn inspiration from the works of Vermeer and Rembrandt as well as more contemporary artists such as Odd Nerdrum and JMW Turner. 

Possessing a relentless passion for art, Hayes is compelled to create. A multi award winning artist, Hayes has been drawing and painting for more than 10 years and his work is held in private collections both in Australia and overseas.