Late Afternoon Walk at Riverbank Park | Col Nelson

Col is a Yass Valley artist whose paintings seek to capture something of the beauty and inspiration in the world around us. 

His painting style has been described as representational and painterly and the subjects he selects reflect his interest in discovering and rediscovering that which is life affirming, truthful, good and beautiful in people, places and experiences just the way they are.

While largely self taught, ongoing learning is a key element of his art journey. In this regard he owes much to a range of gifted painters and tutors such as  John Wilson, Warwick Fuller, Colley Wilson, Max Wilkes, Ros Psakis and to numerous others who have written about art and painting in particular.

Since his retirement from the public service in 2012 he has successfully exhibited regularly and has been a popular drawing and painting tutor in the Yass Valley.

He is a founding member of the Visual Arts Society of Yass. 

Tell us the story of this work. What inspired it? 

“Riverbank Park is a lovely place and on this particular afternoon was full of warm late afternoon light begging to be enjoyed and painted.”

Tell us about how you created your work.

“The work is based on several photos taken that afternoon and completed as a triptych on three cradled panels. I wanted it to be reminiscent of an impressionist representation of light and colour.”

What particular challenges came from working on a piece of this size?

“Hmm, I think my biggest challenge was keeping the colours and tones of the various shapes working in a dynamic and harmonious way.”

“Combining three paintings into one was a challenge, but one that I have enjoyed and will do again.”

What do you hope people feel when they see your work?

“I hope people feel that they can enter this peaceful and beautiful place, both on the walk and as they gaze down the river.”

Col Nelson, 2025

Read more here.

Shipping to anywhere in Australia is jut $80 for this work. International shipping is available on request.