In the Beginning: In terms of first steps into the world of art, after experimenting with various media, and after a lot of thought about what I wanted to develop in my art, I adopted oils and pastels as most suitable for what I want to express. Those media seemed to connect with me mentally and physically.
What I Paint: Generally, I have been attracted to landscapes and streetscapes for subject matter - things I see each day as I travel around, specifically those scenes which stimulate ideas in my imagination and make me feel happy and excited. I do occasional figure and portrait studies - such work is both challenging and satisfying. Again after some experimentation, I decided to approach my efforts broadly as a tonalist and colourist - I believe that fidelity of the tonal relationships is the central building block to establishing a meaningful artwork, and then colour can be used to give a painting excitement and vitality.
How I Paint: So with my way of working, each piece is very considered and based on where I have been and what I have seen, whether in the recent past or in my early years. Sometimes I will use imagination to create a topic, but it will invariably be based on some life experience.
Accordingly, in my approach I strive to combine tonal faithfulness and colour vibrancy in pursuit of an artistic vision: to interpret distinctive, memorable moments in the landscape and urban surrounds which excite emotions and stimulate fine memories, both in me and in the viewer - forming a responsive connection.
A Deeper Dive: In exploring my vision, certain subjects can be fleeting: such as a bright, evocative street scene, a grouping of people in a colourful urban environment, or a striking combination of shapes and colours in a city view. Or just a superb pose of golden afternoon sun on a range of hills. To this end, I consider my work as intimately perceptual and sensory in nature, combining observation with instinct. The words of John Berger resonate with me: "Art is an organised response to what nature allows us to glimpse occasionally". The point is to execute the organised response using emotions and sensations as much as intellect, to capture the exciting glimpse of something beautiful.
Summary: Over the last decade or so, after visits to France, the streets, buildings and people of France provided inspiring material for me, but I find beauty and interest in many other places. In particular, I have found, and continue to find, wonderful subjects in rural South Australia, country Victoria, Tasmania and New Zealand, all allowing me to develop and express ideas.
I sign my pictures as Max Walker or just Max, using a long-standing nick name. Sobriquets are endearing as they form a special link between the person and the group of contacts or friends who use them.
My artwork on the Gallery 247 website gives the art lover a comprehensive cross section of my output, although it is not a full portfolio. | 
