Archibald winning artist, John Olsen took to the sky over Newcastle today.
It was all in the name of work though, with the helicopter ride serving as inspiration for his new major work.
“What’s happened is it’s filtered through my whole personality – it’s there – which is quite different from taking a photograph – because when I’m drawing something I become it – I become one of those cranes, I become one of those enormous ships.”
Olsen says he aims to capture the essence of his home town in the new painting.
“The challenge I like. To be doing something new! I might be 88 but I’m a kid! I’m young!”
The work will be unveiled in November.
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