Thunder Down Under: Limestone rock wall

Limestone rock wall (Detail #1)

Painting by Shirley Deane/Midyett

Text by Vic Midyett

This abstract-looking painting is actually a realistic interpretation of a limestone rock wall at the sight of the oldest jail in Western Australia, in Fremantle, where we live. It closed only as recently as 1992. It was built by Australia’s first convicts to house them and others afterwards, for whom its condition was notoriously disgusting.

Limestone rock wall (12" x 16")

    Shirley took a picture of the wall in the setting sunlight coming in from the left, which brought out some unusual colors and shades. She says she can see numerous faces in the contrasting shades, which is why she took the picture and painted her version of it in the first place. Can you see faces? (My editor says he can.) Perhaps of prisoners long passed? I kinda sorta see one. Whether you see any faces or not, it’s an interesting study.

(Detail #2)

(Detail #3)

(Detail #4)

(Detail #5)

(Photo of actual wall)

Copyright © 2017 by Vic & Shirley Deane/Midyett