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Australian Artist Biographies John Giles (Australian 1884-1970) Biography

John Giles (Australian 1884-1970) Biography

John Giles was born in South Australia in 1884, and studied under Will Ashton in Adelaide and J S Watkins in Sydney.

Giles’ life and career can be summed up by his best artworks, generally natural impressionist compositions, dabbing colour to create form, and set against the varied Seaside Vistas of Sydney Harbour and Port Adelaide.

These Seaside artworks and Harbour scenes are impressive for their composition, colour, choice of subject matter and are highly popular with Australian art collectors. Giles’ paintings show a fundamental understanding of light and shade, movement, and balance in composition.

Claude Monet Impression The McCorry Collection

Giles’ paintings reflect a touch of influence from the Early Australian Impressionism and European Impressionism

Claude Monet “Impression” (1872)

Giles also painted landscapes in the Grampians Victoria, Rural Scenes of Adelaide Hills, River vistas along the Torrens River SA, Victor Harbour SA, and rolling Hills and Surf of the South Coast of SA.

Best known for his works, like his early 20th century “Circular Quay” Sydney NSW, “Moored at Birkenhead Wharf” Sydney NSW, and “Morning Departure Dockside Port Adelaide” South Australia.

The Art Gallery of NSW holds John Giles Works.

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