Steve Lopes
Trenches III
Trenches III was painted during an invitation to Gallipoli in 2014 as part of the Centenary of ANZAC. Here Lopes expressively captures the quiet beauty of the rugged Turkish landscape and the frantic energy of the trenches from the Battle of the Nek. After an ill-advised attempt to gain control of a narrow passage high on the Gallipoli peninsula, 372 Australian soldiers were killed within a matter of minutes. Here Lopes demonstrates his command in painting en plein air and respectfully captures the history, hardship and spirit of the landscape through his broad brushstrokes and muted tones.