Artist preps for Archibald Prize with Reyne portrait

CONTEMPORARY artist Steve May has high hopes for his latest work, a portrait of Australian rock icon James Reyne.

May met Reyne at an event at the Capitol Theatre Bendigo and visited him at his home in South Yarra to sit for the portrait.

“Across my career, I’ve painted a range of prominent Australian cultural figures,” said May.

“They include Dylan Lewis, Brian Canham from Pseudo Echo, Mick Thomas from Weddings, Parties, Anything, Doug Falconer from Hunters and Collectors, musician Dallas Frasca and Neighbours actor and director Scott Major.

“My latest work, a portrait of James Reyne, was painted specifically for entry into major Australian art awards.

“The piece captures his unmistakable presence and decades-long influence on Australian rock music.

“I believe Australian music artists from the 80s are equal to any from anywhere in the world.

“They can all hold their heads high.

“The painting of James Reyne blends fine-art technique with elements drawn from my custom automotive background, creating a style that mixes realism, grit, and emotional intensity.”

May has been interested in painting since his school days.

“I put it aside when I was in the military for a while but I have worked in the automative paintwork industry for many years.”

May has been an entrant or finalist in many of Australia’s major portrait awards including the Black Swan Prize for Portraiture, Kilgour Prize and the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize.

His work has appeared in many publications and his paintings of Australian musicians and cultural figures have gained significant attention.

May plans to enter his portrait of James Reyne in the Archibald Prize later this year and is hopeful of success. “It’s all subjective but I am looking forward to seeing how it goes,” he said.

“I am feeling very positive about this painting.

“It’s the biggest I’ve done.”