Phillip Rolton

Local Contemporary Art Prize 2025 – Finalist

Image courtesy of the artist

Phillip Rolton | The Swimmer | 2024 | pen, ink and watercolour on paper | 83 x 123cm (framed)

During an early morning walk of Lake Barrine’s rainforest circuit, an ancient volcanic crater located on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, I was interrupted by the sound of breaking water from a lone swimmer crossing the lake and witnessed the beauty of his defining wake.

From my wife’s photography, I prepared to paint this panorama as a photorealism art piece rather than a modernist or impressionist approach, with the hope that the viewer could experience the journey of the swimmer. Working with my pencil drawings, pen, ink and watercolours on Arches watercolour paper, I endeavoured to mirror this peaceful moment.