In 1934 Elioth Gruner made one of several visits to the Canberra
region where he painted Murrumbidgee Ranges, Canberra. In 1928
Gruner had purchased a car, which gave him the means to travel
throughout the countryside on painting trips. He first visited
Yass and Canberra in 1929 and was impressed by the crisp, clear
light of the area. Over the next ten years he returned several
times and completed some of his major late works in the
district. Murrumbidgee Ranges, Canberra is an arrangement of
several views looking south-west from Canberra towards the
Tidbinbilla and Brindabella ranges. While there are no
Murrumbidgee Ranges as such, the Murrumbidgee River runs between
Canberra and the Tidbinbilla Range. Gruner would have painted
this work outdoors, and possibly in one sitting. Through his use
of colour he has captured the sharp light of the Canberra region
and the cool velvety softness of the surrounding mountains. He
has also depicted signs of settlement, including sheep grazing
quietly near the ‘bush capita