Russell Drysdale - Back Verandah

Russell Drysdale (1912-1981) - Back Verandah (1942)

Australia 45c Stamp issued 1995

Painting Held at the Queensland Art Gallery Brisbane

Drysdale was known for capturing certain aspects of the Australian landscape, including it's harshness and desolation.  Many of his paintings are etched into the Australian psyche.


This painting depicts the simple but relatively harsh way of life for a rural family in south western New South Wales.  Although there is a brief time for rest, there is always plenty of work to do.   The painting was completed in 1942, at a time when Drysdale's work was becoming increasingly sinister and slightly menacing to some viewers - Australia's involvement in WWII was also becoming more serious at this time.


This is the first of four modern art stamps that were issued  by Australia Post for Australia Day in 1995.   The whole set will be added to this blog progressively. 

Russell Drysdale - The Walls of China

Russell Drysdale - the Walls of China (1945)
Australia 30c Stamp Issued 1985
Art Gallery of NSW Sydney

This stamp was issued as part of a joined pair for Australia Day 1985, the other half being the Sidney Nolan painting “Musgrave Ranges”.

The Walls of China was completed in 1945 and it depicts an arid landscape scene from the Lake Mungo area in NSW - at this time, Australia was in the midst of a serious drought.  This painting was promptly purchased by the Art Gallery of NSW but there was some minor controversy over the stark portrayal of a drought affected landscape.

Russell Drysdale was born in England in 1912 and he emigrated to Australia in 1923.  His was known for his depiction of the Australian landscape as being inhospitable, red and threatening.  He died in Sydney in 1981.