From Art of Broken Hill a book co-ordinated by Jack Absalom.
"I was born in Broken Hill and spent my early years exploring the vast regions of the arid inland. This began my fascination with this often harsh but beautiful country, which I feel is a young artist's paradise.
The spectacular colours of dawn and late afternoon light hold a special magic. Broken Hill was a great place to grow up and, fortunately, the increasing focus on the arts and tourism has helped to buffer the effect of the declining mining industry in the city.
My first official exhibition was at the age of 15. 1 was influenced by other artists but allowed my talent to develop naturally. Upon completing my mining Engineering Degree, I travelled extensively throughout Australia and overseas - and pigeonholed many images in my mind for future painting. In 1985, I realised my true vocation and decided to embark on the path of a serious artist.
My works can be defined as super realist and, sometimes, expressionistic. They have a subtle dynamism which is achieved through the interplay of colour, subject and composition.
By placing many thin layers of paint on top of each other, the canvas comes to life. Abstract art is an integral part of the development of painting. To establish the nature of the piece, I draw numerous sketches of the subject and setting. To test the composition, I transform the basic elements of the work into an abstract sketch of geometric shapes. In this abstract form, with elements devoid of recognisable detail, it is possible to see how objects fill the space. In recent years, pyramids and triangles are becoming the basic foundation of each piece. When I am satisfied with the composition, it is time to move on to the actual painting.
Although my paintings cover a diversity of subjects from underwater reefs, rainforests and snow-capped mountains, the major emphasis is on the outback and Australian bird life.
I love the repetitious salt bush plains stretching to the horizon, the regularity of this pattern is irresistible to paint. Also compelling are the ancient mountain ranges dividing the landscape in brilliant purples and blues. Australia is blessed with some of the world's most beautiful birds and their multitude of colours and form provide me with a wealth of subjects to paint - and it satisfies my thirst for detail.
Listening to music, taking long walks through the bush and observing nature are my favourite ways to relax. I usually paint to a wide range of music but have a soft spot for Mozart, Vivaldi, Celine Dion and Andrea Becelli.
Artists I particularly admire include Brett Whiteley because he painted from the soul, and Carl Brenders for his detailed skill."
See Ando's work, including The Big Picture, at Silver City Mint & Art Centre, Broken Hill.