Opera House — Fine Art

Opera House - 1982 by Brett Whiteley reads as a loose view of the Sydney Harbour building, painted with quick lines and soft colour patches. From far away the shapes sit together as one calm picture. Up close the loose brushwork and small gaps between drawn lines become clear.

The fine art print sits on a matte paper that suits the soft tones in the work. On a dark wall a light frame keeps the colours from sinking into the background. Near a lamp the surface stays flat, so the pencil thin lines do not catch a shine.

It fits a narrow landing wall with one bare bulb overhead. You stand at the bottom of the stairs and read the broad shape first, then notice the changing blue and white tones as you climb past.