Stewart MacFarlane
Stewart MacFarlane is a prominent Australian figurative painter known for his vivid, narrative-driven works that explore themes of identity, isolation, and the human condition. Born in Adelaide in 1953, he began his artistic journey at the South Australian School of Art at age 16, studying under David Dallwitz. In 1975, he moved to New York City to study at the School of Visual Arts, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1977. During this period, he worked as a studio assistant for notable artists such as Alex Katz, Janet Fish, and Chuck Close. MacFarlane’s style combines pared-down realism with expressionistic touches and surreal lighting, often depicting enigmatic scenes with nude or semi-nude figures. His work has been exhibited extensively across Australia, the United States, Germany, and Malaysia, with over 70 solo exhibitions to his name. His paintings are held in major collections, including the National Gallery of Australia, the National Gallery of Victoria, and the Art Gallery of Western Australia. MacFarlane continues to live and work in Australia, contributing significantly to contemporary figurative painting.
Since I embarked, at the age of 16, on the artistic path, I have always been a figurative painter. I often tell unspecified stories. My paintings are largely inspired by the locations I live in, which have been many. I will begin by recording a scene that has inspired me. Light is an important factor. As I paint the study on location, I imagine what a larger work will include?
My painting, For Better or For Worse is a ‘nod’ to one of my favourite figurative artists, Canadian, Alex Colville, in particular his painting, ‘Pacific’, 1967.The outback scene is of The Flinders Ranges, in South Australia, a place I have returned to many times and it has inspired several of my works. The seduction and the drama of the outback is something that has been rich material for so many memorable Australian authors and film-makers over the decades. I hope to continue that tradition.
Stewart MacFarlane For Better or For Worse Oil on canvas, 125 x 155cm $16,500
Stewart MacFarlane High Tide Oil on Canvas 122 x 146cm $14,500
When the Rain Oil on canvas 153 x 168cm $20,000
Popular Girls Oil on Canvas 182 x 182 cm $28,000
Metropol diptych oil on canvas 225 x 330 cm $60,000
Stewart MacFarlane The Key To Love Oil on Canvas 135 x 165cm $14,500
Lockdown Oil on Canvas 138 x 150cm $17,500
The Paleontologist Oil on Canvas 93 x 80cm $6,500
Florida Oil on board 41 x 51cm $2,500
Arkaroola Airstrip Oil on board 40 x 53cm $2,500
Road to Arkaroola Oil on canvas 30 x 60cm $2,250
Green Bay Gouache on Arches paper 31 x 41cm $1,600
Alligator Gorge Oil on board 61 x 46cm $3,500
Rapid Bay Oil on canvas 45.5 x 62cm $3,500
Mount Breckan Estate Oil on canvas 41 x 51 cm $2,500
Father to Be Oil on board 30 x 43cm $2,100
Boy with Headphones Oil on Canvas 40.5 x 30 cm $1,500
Rock Oil on canvas 40.5 x 51cm $2,500
Lettuce and Roses Oil on canvas 40.5 x 50.5cm
The Great Hall oil on canvas trypich 275 x 244 cm $55,000