JONES, PAUL OSBORNE (1921-1997)

"New Guinea Native, PNG" (c.1967)
oil on paper
40.5 x 30.5cm
unsigned
*private collection, Sydney
 
Jones was a respected Australian Modernist & Botanist. He studied at the East Sydney Technical College. He served with the AIF in New Guinea during World War II. Although his landscapes, mainly of the Morobe and Highlands Provinces, and figurative New Guinea paintings became exceptionally popular. He is best known for his floral studies, especially of camellias, which have gained him a world wide reputation. In the 1970 and 1980s Paul Jones visited Papua New Guinea frequently and completed an extensive collection of orchid painting. These paintings are rarely offered for sale. The orchid plants that were used for the paintings were usually provided by Geoff Elworthy, an arts patron and orchid breeder in Port Moresby and G. Hermon Slade. In addition,he painted orchids from the University of Papua New Guinea botanical garden, that was curated by Andrea Millar. He illustrated several flower books and his floral prints are in constant demand. His works are represented in many state and provincial collections. His work is reminiscent of his friend and contemporary, William Dobell.