The late Alan Baker wasn’t just a great Camden artist. Baker, who was born in 1914, was also very generous in sharing his knowledge and skills with other artists.
In the 1970s and 80s, the last two decades of his life, Baker attended the Camden Art Group which would meet at Camden Public School weekly.
He mentored aspiring artists in attendance, many of whom later became established artists in their own right.
Baker kept doing that until his passing in 1987.
The products of his influence are now on display until November 2023 in the Alan Baker Art Gallery’s latest exhibition, Baker – the Artist, the Influencer.
The exhibition features the works of several of those artists whose paint strokes were influenced by Baker, including Patricia Johnston, Nola Tegel, Olive McAleer and Jack Dunn.
Camden Mayor, Cr Ashleigh Cagney, said the exhibition was a showcase of some of the great local artists who emerged from the Camden Art Group during Baker’s presence.
“Baker’s impact on art in Camden is profound,’’ the mayor said.
“It’s exactly why in 2018 council decided to name its art gallery at Macaria after him,” Cr Cganey said.
“To have these local great pieces of art on display, which were inspired by Baker, is truly magnificent to see. I encourage everyone to check it out.”
Artist Patricia Johnston said she was proud to be a part of the exhibition, given the significance of the Camden Art Group on her work.
“Alan gave us a thorough grounding in the practicalities of art – drawing, composition, techniques, plein air painting, portraiture and more,” she said.
“The specific advice he gave that always sticks with me was his emphasis on the importance of drawing as the basis of painting, and I always took that with me.
“I feel so grateful to have been part of the Camden Art Group, which gave me lifetime friendship with many I may never have met otherwise.”
For more information about the exhibition visit alanbakerartgallery.com.au.
