Painter

Sidney Nolan

Sidney Nolan was an Australian painter whose early work made extensive use of fluid, fast-drying commercial enamel paint, especially Ripolin, to build stark figures and landscapes with unusually direct color.


Sidney Nolan quick facts

A concise reference for his materials, subjects, and painting approach.

Sidney Nolan quick facts
BornApril 22, 1917 · Carlton, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
DiedNovember 28, 1992 · England
NationalityAustralian
Paint mediaEnamel paint · Oil paint
Commercial paintRipolin enamel, originally manufactured for architectural and marine uses
Common subjectsNed Kelly, Australian landscapes, drought, explorers, suburban life, mythology, and history
Known forUsing fast-drying enamel to create flat, vivid, highly economical painted surfaces

Sources: National Gallery of Victoria, NGV: Footballer, and NGV Joseph Brown Collection.