Artist Anthony Langlands with some of his work at the Shellharbour Civic Centre. Photos: Supplied.
After nearly three decades as a self-taught artist, Warilla’s Anthony Langlands is staging his first major exhibition at the Shellharbour Civic Centre, displaying 23 of his original landscape and seascape paintings throughout September.
Anthony, a bricklayer by trade, has long dreamed of focusing solely on his art, and this exhibition is a pivotal step towards achieving that goal.
“I’m a self-taught artist of about 30 years, with a wish to retire from my work as a bricklayer and paint full-time,” he said.
“I have exhibited a few times on a small scale as a local guest artist but have been limited usually to a small number of my works.”
Anthony’s artwork primarily captures the natural beauty of the Illawarra region.
His paintings reflect his deep connection to the Illawarra landscape and his desire to capture its natural charm, especially as development continues to reshape the area.
“I have an affinity with the natural world,” he said.
“With that in mind and with the encroachment of suburbia on our region, I try to interpret what’s left of our natural areas in the best light.”
The exhibition features a series of landscapes and seascapes depicting iconic Shellharbour locations, such as Shellharbour Marina at Shell Cove, Windang Island, the Lake Illawarra foreshore, Killalea State Park, and Shellharbour’s harbour area.
He also paints historic scenes and Wollongong locations, such as Mount Keira and has painted a portrayal of Figtree in 1904, offering viewers a glimpse into the region’s past.
“I do appreciate the early history and beauty of our region,” he said.
“Hopefully, my work will serve as a reflection of what it looked like at a certain point in our history.”
The Shellharbour Civic Centre’s Artist of the Month program offers the region’s artists the chance to showcase their work in a public space, and Anthony is excited for the chance to share his paintings on a prominent stage and to a broader audience.
“I’ve sold some of my work over the years, but not enough to justify earning a living,” he said.
“To get noticed by the local people, I paint landscapes and seascapes of our local region.
“After years of improving and presenting a good product, I’m ready for my first major exhibition.”
He said the exhibition was a steppingstone to transitioning into painting full-time.
“My goal is to retire and, like many artists, become more recognised and create beautiful artwork,” he said.
“And, of course, to supplement my income, at least in a modest way.”
Anthony’s exhibition at the Shellharbour Civic Centre will run until 26 September, with his works appealing to art lovers and anyone with an interest in the region or its history.
Visitors will be able to view his collection during civic centre opening hours, and many of his works are available to purchase.
To see more of Anthony’s artwork, visit his Facebook page.
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