Mudgee Gem in Spring

Mudgee Gem In Spring Original Oil on Board 55cm x 38cm 

John’s Inspiration: “Mudgee was first settled by Europeans in the 1820’s and is the second oldest town west of the Great Dividing Range. The history of the town began when William Lawson discovered good grazing land on the banks of the Cudgegong River in 1821.  By 1838 the “Village of Mudgee” was gazetted, the town continued to prosper and in 1860 was proclaimed a Municipality. During the 1850’s and 60’s, gold was discovered and the cry of gold brought diggers to Australia from all over the world. Mudgee itself, however did not rely on gold for its prosperity, its wealth came from the fertile countryside around the town.  Mudgee sheep became renowned for their fine and distinctive wool, the area still being a major producer of “superfine wool. Today the area still thrives and is noted for its wines, good country living and relaxed atmosphere.”

Original painting John Vander