There are predominately two different themes in Luke's latest body of work.
Firstly, the landscape on the extensive property at Wilcannia which he has visited many times over the last years. He has grown to know this country well, observing the many changes of the Darling River bordered by the magnificent red river gums, and absorbing images of the land itself with its traces of past indigenous presence, as he goes on long exploratory walks.
The second inspiration for a number of Luke's recent paintings was a trip with a group of artist friends to Moonee Beach on the N.S.W. Central Coast. He has responded to this very different landscape with freshness and vigour - the greens and blues a contrast to inland Wilcannia. He delighted in the great pandanus by the sea and in these works we see his fine drawing skills.
These paintings are all strong and beautiful translations of Luke's intense response to landscape.
Elisabeth Cummings, 2016
