Join artist Idris Murphy for a 7 day painting adventure and wilderness experience in the Remote Northern Territory (July 9 - 15, 2025)

CENTRAL AUSTRALIA | NORTHERN TERRITORY
A land of stark beauty, sacred aboriginal sites and remote wilderness areas, the Northern Territory has always stood apart from the rest of Australia. Vast deserts, wetlands, monsoonal rains, red-rock gorges, and raging rivers spark the spirit of adventure in those who visit. These same natural features enabled the local aboriginal people to preserve their traditional way of life. Today, travellers flock here from around the world to see these spectacular sites and learn about the fascinating culture of the tribes who have thrived on this rugged land for thousands of years. 

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Leading Australian contemporary landscape painter, Idris Murphy, is one of the most individual and highly respected artists working in Australia. Recently, he was one of the featured artists in the SBS documentary Two Thirds Sky Artists in Desert Country.

Murphy is a respected educator and artist who has been the driving force behind the promotion and building of a series of accommodation and studios for both Australian and International artists in the outback of NSW. Idris Murphy’s work is held in the public collections of the National Gallery of Australia, National Library of Australia, Federal Parliament House Art Collection and the Art Gallery of NSW, State Library of New South Wales and the State Library of Queensland. Idris is represented by King Street Gallery, Sydney.

THE LANGUAGE OF LANDSCAPE
Idris has a deep connection with the wild, empty spaces of the Australian landscape. In his work he aims to capture its spirit rather than its physicality. Bridging the gap between the figurative and abstraction, and inspired by indigenous painting and storytelling, his paintings are dreamlike, expressionistic and raw.

LANDSCAPE PAINTING WORKSHOP
The 6 day workshop focuses on painting and sketching directly from nature. Participants will improve their skills under the guidance of artist and experienced educator, Idris Murphy. During the workshop, Idris will expose the students to a variety of ideas and approaches with a mix of teaching, demonstrations and informal discussions on composition, colour, influences and the illusion of space, over meals in the evenings. Learn a new skill or develop new ones in a beautiful and relaxed environment. Non painting partners are welcome.

EASTERN MACDONNELL RANGES | NORTHERN TERRITORY
The MacDonnell Ranges stretch out for hundreds of kilometres on both sides of Alice Springs, like a long, craggy spine, twisting through the countryside. The traditional owners, the Arrernte people, believed giant caterpillars called the Yeperenye formed the Ranges. The area is known for its spectacular natural features, ancient petroglyphs and rugged countryside.

ACCOMMODATION | HALE RIVER HOMESTEAD
The Hale River Homestead is an oasis in the East McDonnell ranges. Comfortable and friendly, Hale River offers a true outback experience. Ambalindum Station is a working cattle station over 3,000 square kilometers, situated approximately 135km North-east of Alice Springs. It is one of the original properties settled in Central Australia in the early 1900's. The station and its immediate surrounds feature some of the most spectacular scenery the Red Centre has to offer and close to many historic sites. Meals are fully catered with dining in the “The Workshop.”

CLIMATE
The MacDonnell Ranges bioregion has an arid climate, which is modified to some extent by the mountain ranges. During late May, when we'll be visiting, the temperatures ranges from a warm 23 degrees during the day and can drop to a chilly low of 8 degrees in the evening. Perfect weather for painting outdoors during the day and sipping wine in front of an open fire at night.

NOTE:

Participants on ART Travel Adventures workshops should bring a spirit of flexibility and adventure. Itineraries can be subject to local change and unforeseen circumstances. Participants will be involved in art making every day. If you have mobility issues please contact me to discuss before booking. There will be some walking and you need to carry your art materials.

Art Travel Adventures Pty Ltd

Phone: +61 (0) 417 033233
info@arttraveladventures.com.au