Two very important, yet uniquely different painters Brett Whitely and Arthur Boyd are fundamental in our understanding of contemporary Australian art history. Their unique styles, significant contributions, and enduring influence have shaped the landscape of Australian art. 

Shared Significance:

Both Whiteley and Boyd, while distinct in their styles, represent key aspects of Australian art during the late 20th century. They both engaged with the Australian landscape and explored themes relevant to Australian identity, albeit through different artistic lenses. Their work continues to be studied and celebrated, making them essential figures for anyone seeking to understand the evolution and richness of Australian contemporary art. 

Known for his expressive and often autobiographical works, Whiteley explored various mediums including painting, drawing, sculpture, and printmaking. He is celebrated for his vibrant colors, distinctive line work, and his ability to capture the essence of Australian life and landscape. Whiteley's impact on contemporary art is undeniable, with his works continuing to inspire and influence artists today. He is also recognized for his celebrity status and the impact it had on his career. 

The workplace and home of renowned Australian artist Brett Whiteley is now a museum managed by the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

The Brett Whiteley Studio is temporarily closed to the public and being upgraded to improve accessibility and address age-related deterioration and artwork conservation requirements.

The studio is scheduled to reopen in early 2026 to mark the museum’s 30th anniversary, with the exhibition Chapters 1970–79, which will showcase Brett Whiteley at the height of his creative powers in the 1970s. 

I propose visiting at the end of April. DATES for this entire Art Retreat is dependant on the successful completion of this upgrade and renovation.

Boyd's art is characterized by its powerful imagery and exploration of themes such as love, loss, identity, and the Australian landscape. He was a prolific artist who worked across various mediums, including painting, ceramics, and theatre set design. Boyd's ability to blend the real and the imagined, the personal and the universal, has made him a pivotal figure in Australian art history. His iconic "scapegoat" paintings, for example, offered a powerful commentary on Australian identity and the legacy of colonialism. His donation of Bundanon to the Australian people further solidified his legacy as a significant contributor to Australian culture. 

Bundanon is many things. An art museum embedded in the landscape. A wildlife sanctuary set on 1000 hectares. A gift to the Australian people. The vast array of experiences at this South Coast art destination means every visitor’s journey here will be different.

The organisation’s mission is to operate the Bundanon properties as a centre for creative arts and education, to support the development of arts practice across all disciplines and to enable public access to the arts and to the landscape. Bundanon’s vision is to promote creativity and learning based in a unique cultural and natural landscape.

The establishment of Bundanon also represents one of the most significant acts of philanthropy in the history of the arts in Australia. Arthur and Yvonne Boyd’s gift of Bundanon in 1993 was driven by a big vision, which has been built upon by subsequent acts of private generosity and government support.

A Visit to Bundanon is a chance to slow down, connect with nature and enjoy unique cultural experiences.

See Bundanon’s latest exhibition and have access to the Bundanon Collection, the historic Homestead, and Arthur Boyd’s Studio.

While in Sydney we will visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales and attend the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2026 Exhibition.

The Archibald Prize is an annual art prize for the best portrait, typically of a distinguished figure in art, letters, science, or politics. It is judged by the trustees of the Art Gallery of NSW. The prize is open to artists living in Australia and New Zealand, and the finalists' works are displayed in an exhibition at the Gallery. 

History of the Archibald Prize

• History: Established in 1921 by a bequest from J.F. Archibald, the prize has become a significant cultural event in Australia. 

• Judging: The trustees of the Art Gallery of NSW select the winner. 

• Exhibition: The Archibald Prize exhibition, showcasing the finalists' works, is a major event at the Art Gallery of NSW. The exhibition also tours to regional venues. 

• Eligibility: The prize is open to artists living in Australia or New Zealand. 

• Subject Matter: The prize focuses on portraiture, often highlighting figures who are well-known or distinguished in various fields. 

• Other Prizes: The Wynne Prize (for landscape painting) and the Sulman Prize (for subject painting, genre painting, or mural projects) are also awarded, with the Archibald, Wynne, and Sulman Prizes exhibitions often held together. 
  

While in Sydney we will visit Wendy’s Secret Garden in Lavender Bay

Born out of grief following the death of Brett Whiteley, Wendy has tended an unofficial garden overlooking Sydney’s Lavender Bay for 23 years

Known as Quiberee by traditional Aboriginal landowners, Lavender Bay was a harbour beach up until the railways filled it in to make way for a new North Shore line. When Brett and Wendy moved into the neighbourhood in 1969 after a decade living it up in London and New York, the area below the neat council-owned Clark Park was nothing but landfill and lantana.

For years, the Whiteleys were too busy being the Whiteleys to mind. But when Brett, by this point divorced from Wendy, died of a heroin overdose in 1992, his one-time muse fell into a hole so dark that only another one – the landfill site – could save her. She waded in and got to work.

“I was just cleaning up a mess. Literally and, I suppose, symbolically too,” Whiteley tells writer Janet Hawley in the book. “We’d all tried so hard but lost the fight to clean up Brett’s addiction. I had this urgent mental and emotional need to get some order back into our lives.”

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DAY ONE

Fly Adelaide to Sydney 4 nights stay at the Sofitel Darling Harbour

Brett Whiteley Gallery visit Surry Hills

Lavender Bay Wendy’s Garden Visit with Sketching opportunities A2 sized 280 grain paper and Charcoal supplied

DAY TWO

Visit Art Gallery of NSW to see the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Art Prize 2026 Exhibition

Spend the afternoon on the Sydney Harbour for Workshop with Liana Sketching Plein Air A2 sized 280 grain paper and Charcoal

Evening at the Opera, Sydney Opera House

DAY THREE

Private coach and driver pick up from Sofitel Darling Harbour for our Day Trip

Arrive at Bundanon Art Centre

Lunch at Bundanon Cafe

Drive on to Arthur Boyd’s Homestead

Visit regional galleries

DAY FOUR

Ferry to Watsons Bay

Lunch at Doyles

DAY FIVE

Coach and Driver to Sydney airport

Return Flights to Sydney

4 nights at the Sofitel, Darling Harbour, Sydney includes breakfast (or similar if hotel is not available)

Brett Whiteley entrance fee

Art Gallery of NSW entrance fee

Private Coach and Driver return transfers Sydney to Bundanon

Visit Arthur Boyd Homestead and Bundanon Gallery entrance fees

Workshops / Drawing sessions with Liana Sketching Plein Air at Bundanon A2 sized 280 grain paper and Charcoal supplied