Elioth Gruner is one of Australia’s most prominent landscape painters, best known for his ability to capture the ephemeral effects of light on the landscape.

Born in Gisborne, New Zealand in 1882, Gruner and his family immigrated to Australia when he was one year old, settling in Sydney. His mother encouraged his love of art and Gruner began attending art classes with Julian Ashton from around the age of twelve. After the death of his father and the marriage of his eldest brother, Gruner, aged fourteen, began to work long hours as a draper’s assistant at Farmer’s department store in order to help support his family. He continued to take art classes at night after working grueling twelve-hour days.

Gruner exhibited for the fi...