Morning Light, Benalla Plain

Morning Light, Benalla Plain

Original Oil Painting
Oil on Board
Framed size: 79 x 64 cm
Available now at the Moore Art Gallery, Cooroy

Bathed in the golden hush of early daybreak, Morning Light, Benalla Plain captures the tranquil soul of rural Victoria with poetic clarity and warmth. This original oil painting by Rod Moore invites viewers into a timeless landscape, one where a commanding gum tree stands proudly at the heart of the composition, its roots embedded not only in the dry, sun-kissed soil but also in the identity of the Australian bush itself.

Set in the scenic region of Benalla, the work offers a tender homage to the land and its quiet rhythms. The vast open plain stretches into a soft horizon, dusted with blue-grey shadows and distant tree lines, rendered with confident brushwork that balances realism with impressionistic energy. The subtle pink and amber tones of morning light spill across the earth, infusing the scene with a gentle luminosity that speaks of a new day’s promise.

At the center stands the gum tree, majestic, weathered, and alive with character. Its bark peels in rich, textural strokes, while its canopy is lush with mossy greens and shadowy cool blues—filters the sunlight in dappled patterns across the ochre ground. Beneath its protective branches, a small group of sheep graze peacefully, adding a tender, lived-in detail to the composition and grounding the viewer in a sense of serene rural life.

Rod Moore’s mastery of oil on board brings a velvety richness to the textures of the landscape. Layered brushstrokes breathe depth into the foliage and movement into the grasses. The light is handled with a painterly sensitivity that feels both observational and intuitive, capturing not just the appearance of the morning, but the feeling of it, the stillness, the clarity, and the soft awakening of the land.

The painting is presented in a stylish gold frame with a light inner liner that elegantly complements the warm palette of the piece. Its classic yet contemporary style enhances the work’s visual impact and makes it ready to hang in any space, whether a modern home or a rustic country retreat.

Collectors and admirers of Rod Moore’s work know that his paintings go beyond surface appeal. They reflect a deep connection to place, a dedication to traditional Australian landscape painting, and a passion for keeping this genre alive in a contemporary world. Owning a piece by Moore means owning part of a broader artistic journey... one that is gaining increasing recognition among collectors who value both emotional resonance and lasting investment.

Morning Light, Benalla Plain is currently available at the newly opened Moore Art Gallery in Cooroy, a vibrant space dedicated to celebrating Rod Moore’s evolving body of work.

 Offered for sale this original oil painting is a heartfelt tribute to the beauty and resilience of the Australian countryside, a moment of peace, preserved in paint, that will warm its new home for years to come.

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