Romola Clifton: A Watercolorist Steeped in Landscape and Portraiture
Romola Clifton (b. 1935) stands as a prominent figure within Australian watercolor painting, recognized for her evocative depictions of the Western Australian landscape alongside meticulously crafted portraits that capture nuanced emotion. Born in Perth, she embarked on an artistic journey marked by formal training at Slade School of Art in London and subsequent studies at the University of Western Australia, establishing herself as a skilled practitioner with a distinctive vision.
- Early Influences & Training:
Clifton’s formative years were shaped by her father's architectural pursuits—a connection that instilled within her an appreciation for form and spatial relationships—and nurtured by the encouragement of educators who fostered her talent for observation and artistic expression. Her studies at Slade School of Art honed her technical skills, equipping her with a foundational understanding of watercolor techniques and compositional principles.
- Breakthrough Recognition & Early Exhibitions:
Clifton’s career gained momentum in 1956 when she secured the Claude Hotchin Art Prize for Watercolor, acknowledging her burgeoning talent. This prestigious award propelled her into the spotlight and fueled her ambition to explore artistic possibilities further. Her debut solo exhibition at Skinner Galleries in 1959 solidified her position as a rising star within the Australian art scene.
- Marriage & Artistic Collaboration:
Clifton married fellow artist Ross Morrow, forging a creative partnership that extended beyond their personal lives. Together they explored shared artistic interests and nurtured each other's aspirations. Later she married Ian Templeman, a poet and arts administrator, establishing a supportive environment for her continued artistic endeavors.
- Notable Portraiture & Artistic Legacy:
Clifton’s reputation as a portraitist gained considerable acclaim when she undertook the commission to depict Paul Hasluck in 1978. This portrait resides within the Historic Memorials Collection at Australian Parliament House, serving as a testament to her ability to convey personality and emotion through watercolor—a medium she skillfully mastered throughout her career.
- Connections & Continued Artistic Practice:
Clifton cultivated enduring friendships with fellow Canberra artist Jan Brown, whose collaborative spirit mirrored her own dedication to artistic exploration. Her papers are archived in the National Library of Australia, documenting her artistic journey and preserving valuable insights into her creative process. Clifton continues to practice her craft today, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to capturing beauty and conveying emotion through watercolor.
Her work consistently demonstrates a profound sensitivity to light and color—characteristics that define her distinctive style—and reflects an unwavering fascination with the natural world alongside a keen interest in portraying human subjects with empathy and precision. Romola Clifton’s legacy resides not only in her impressive portfolio of paintings but also in her contribution to fostering artistic dialogue and celebrating Australian art history.
