The exhibition will be a collection of all-new acrylic paintings on wood board depicting the singular terrain and vast skyscapes of the NSW Southern Tablelands and rural ACT.

“Central to the works in this series is my desire to connect viewer with place, such that anyone who lives or has spent time in the country outside of Canberra and up towards Goulburn finds an unmistakable resonance with the paintings,” Ms Gordon said.

The works feature distinctive brush work and obfuscating glazes to convey the energy that enlivens the wide pastoral perspectives of the region.

“Gunning, Gundaroo, these places are not what many people imagine as typical fertile, coast-centric landscapes in Australia – they are often dry and unforgiving or moody under foreboding clouds – but after living in the area part-time over the last four years, I’ve developed a connection with the beauty that comes from its expanse.

“There is a tension in the endless skies, in the rolling land that is very exciting: this is the conversation between the works in ‘Familiar Country’.”

‘Familiar Country’ will be showing at the Kyeema Gallery – attached to Capital Wines’ Cellar Door in Hall, ACT – during May 6–27.

The official opening is at 2pm Sunday, May 6 and it is open to all.

“Kyeema Gallery is a perfect fit for ‘Familiar Country’ – it’s a return to a place of origination for these paintings.

I’m thrilled to be showing these works for the first time in Canberra’s rural surrounds,” Ms Gordon said.

“I’m most looking forward to the dialog with viewers, both long-settled and new to the area,” she said.

More about Emily Gordon and her paintings on Instagram.