The life and work of one of Toowoomba’s foremost designers and artists, Douglas Annand (1903-1976), is being celebrated in an exhibition at the Tweed Regional Gallery from 15 July to 11 September.
Titled A Creative Spirit – Douglas Annand Watercolours, the exhibition is the most extensive survey of watercolours by the artist.
A gallery spokesperson said that while Annand is best known for his graphic designs and large public commissions, this exhibition turns the focus on his lesser known skill as a painter of original watercolours.
Annand’s early interest in drawing led to his employment as a commercial artist in Brisbane after one term of formal art education.
In 1930 he transferred to an advertising agency in Sydney, and apart from work with one other agency, he worked as a freelancer for the rest of his life.
Annand achieved major recognition for murals he designed for the Australian Pavilion at the New York World’s Fair of 1939. He was awarded three Sulman Prizes for mural designs during his career.
His interest in art and aesthetics extended to a love of the watercolour medium, which was a seminal aspect of his studio practice.
Artistic flair was matched with civic duty when Annand joined the Department of the Interior as a civilian member of the camouflage unit in 1941.
Starting in Canberra, he moved to NSW then north Queensland where he had time to paint freely.
Annand’s two years in north Queensland had a dramatic and telling effect on his artistic development.
He drew and painted continually and later held a number of solo exhibitions in Sydney in 1944 and 1945 and Brisbane in 1945.
The Queensland Art Gallery and the National Gallery of Victoria purchased watercolours from these exhibitions.
Annand moved in a circle of exceptionally talented artists in Sydney after World War II, at a time when modern Australian painting started to flourish.
After the war, Annand returned to his work as a freelance designer. Much of the emphasis between 1947 and 1959 was on large mural commissions.
In 1956 Annand travelled to China with Elaine Haxton and other members of the first Australian cultural relations party.
He filled sketchbooks with delightful sketches and watercolours, some of which were later worked into larger, more complete watercolours.
When his family finally persuaded him to take a number of extended trips overseas, he travelled throughout Europe and England.
He also visited Thailand, Japan, Vietnam and Cambodia. The works produced from his travel experiences mark the end of a particularly creative period.
Annand’s biographer Anne McDonald said one lifetime was not long enough for Annand. She noted that Annand had planned to travel and work well into his advanced years, but in 1976 he suffered a stroke and died shortly after, aged 73.
All are welcome to attend the official exhibition opening on Friday 15 July from 5.15pm when exhibition curator, Ross Searle will pesent an exhibition preview floortalk, followed by refreshments and opening speeches at 6pm (for 6.30pm)
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