Burrawang Ute: a tribute to Aboriginal stockmen

by Karen Tooth Condobolin Argus

Well-known Queensland artist Michael Jones puts the finishing touches to his contribution to the "Utes in a Paddock" project at Burrawang Resort.

‘Utes in the Paddock’, a unique tourist attraction at Burrawang Resort east of Condobolin, is about to gain another ute.
This ute is being painted by Queeensland artist Michael Jones, who started work last Saturday.

The ideas for this work are taken from previous paintings by Michael and are his favourites. His ute is a tribute to the indigenous stockman and has a larger than life portrait of an old Aboriginal stockman on one side.

On the other side is a view of a stock camp around a fire at night and a starry sky spreading across the door. On the bonnet is another scene taken from a painting called “Drovers Cook Breakfast”. Michael especially likes painting the reflected light - the glow - from camp fires.
Michael was invited to paint a ute and said, “Every artist needs to engage in some sort of public art to get their name out there.”
Now based in Maroochydore, Queensland Michael’s artist career began along with many others in that artist incubator town – Broken Hill: “Living there you meet so many artists – some of whom influence you.

I still take the opportunity to go back there and paint with old friends when I can.”
He is good friends with other former Broken Hill and Ute artists, Shane Gelhart and Peter Browne.
Michael’s work can be seen at ‘Red Sands Gallery and ‘Horizon Gallery’ in Broken Hill and at the ‘Tree Frog Gallery’ Maleny, Queensland. He takes satisfaction from people buying his work to hang on their walls to enjoy.