CELEBRATE ART: Elaine Haxton, a colourful artist and life

This week, we are celebrating the extraordinary life of artist Elaine Haxton, with a new book Elaine Haxton: A colourful artist and life by Lorraine Penny McLoughlin.

This gorgeous art book showcases the range and quality of Elaine Haxton's work, asserting her rightful place as a significant twentieth century Australian artist.

Post written by Poppy Nwosu

I've been quite interested in this book since I first came across it as an upcoming Wakefield Press title.
I was previously unfamiliar with Elaine Haxton's work, but have loved poring over the early PDFs for this book, and now the finished copies. Throughout her life, Elaine Haxton's style and work changed significantly, which makes this chronological book exploring her artistic development a real joy.
I think this is the kind of book one can return to over and over, whether for a casual view of the beautiful artwork, or to spend time coming to understand Elaine Haxton and her experiences.

Actually, I find it surprising, after seeing the artist's impressive body of work and legacy laid out in this book, that I was not already familiar with her. All I can say is that I am glad that oversight has now been rectified.
Here is an excerpt taken from the book's foreword by Adam Wynn, Winemaker, Honorary Consul-General of Japan in South Australia:

'Before and during the last world war, Australia was a fairly grey place artistically and culturally; but towards its end there was a sudden great flowering of the arts. Colourful Elaine Haxton was in the midst of this and played a significant part.'

Normally, I save my favourite pieces for last, but today I can't resist plunging straight in.
For whatever reason, I am particularly struck by Elaine Haxton's paintings of houses and quiet streets. I can't seem to go past these paintings without taking the time to stop and examine them.
Stunning.

I also love the way Haxton documented the world around her in Australia and during her extensive travels overseas.

Elaine Haxton even spent time designing sets and costumes, which makes for a fascinating chapter within the book.

And though I am trying hard not to spoil the entire book, here are a couple more beautiful pieces that really caught my eye! 🙂

 

 

Discover more about Elaine Haxton: A colourful artist and life by Lorraine Penny McLoughlin on our website and remember, the best way to show your support for writers, poets, artists, publishers and booksellers is to buy books!

Support Wakefield Press by buying our beautiful books!  Visit our website or contact us on 08 8352 4455 for more information, or to purchase a book (or three!). We can post your purchase to your doorstep!