ROBINSON 1985.037

William Robinson brought a dynamic and unique approach to painting the landscape that was often unconstrained by the ‘rules’ of realism and perspective. Best known for his monumental paintings that explore nature as a powerful emotional force, Williams also painted lighter moments of joy, whimsy and humour. These pictures were often inspired by the time he spent surrounded by animals on the farm he shared with his wife, Shirley Robinson (1936–2022) between 1970 and 1985 at Birkdale, on the outskirts of Brisbane.

William and Shirley, flora and fauna 1985 shows the couple seated in a lush eucalypt and subtropical landscape, among grass trees, kangaroos and various species of birds. This picture shows their life together at their new property at Beechmont in the Gold Coast Hinterland, where they moved after leaving their Birkdale farm.