 I started painting artworks for the Australian SAS in the late 90’s. I guess I hung around for so long that they made me the ‘Official Artist-in-Residence’ in 2011.
The Australian SAS is a military artist’s dream; there is so much rich material to be depicted and so much history that it would take a platoon of artists to do it justice. When I see their professionalism and what is endured in their training, I count myself fortunate to have had the oppurtunity to mix with these giants of the military.
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My Mate – Lest We Forget (Oil on Canvas)
Artwork and Poem by Ian Coate
Original Artwork Location: SAS Art Collection. CLICK HERE for more info...
The flag’s half-mast – my mate is gone – the grief’s too raw to share.
My mind is blank – I cannot think – his loss is all that’s there.
To family that he left behind, I’m sorry for this day.
I want to share how much he meant, but don’t know what to say.
They say he died for freedom sake – in part this may be true.
I really feel his sacrifice was meant for me and you.
It’s hard to talk about a mate and sum up all he is,
Those traits the ANZAC diggers had - these virtues all were his.
He was a soldier through and through - he stood beside the best.
With things that mattered on the field, be sure he passed the test.
I always knew he had my back– he was a dinkum friend.
His loved ones were upon his mind until the very end.
We shared good times, we shared some bad, we laughed and reminisced.
My mate sure was a lot of things – but most of all he’s missed.
I never told him what he meant – for this I do regret.
But always will I honour him, ‘MY MATE – LEST WE FORGET’.
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It was a great honour to have the Governor of Western Australia read my memorial poem on ANZAC Day. |
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SAS - Moment of Contact (Oil on Canvas)
Original Artwork Location: SAS Regiment
Rotary wing aircraft such as the Blackhawk helicopter have enabled this troop sized element to make first contact with the enemy in a remote Afghan village, whilst overhead AH-64 Apache gunships are on stand-by for any unforseen resistance from the insurgents. The crop that they are patrolling through provides little cover from the enemy’s small arms fire. Time sensitive targeting requires up-to-date intelligence, the element of speed and surprise if it is to be successful. |
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Battle Chook - Moment of Contact
A fun adaption of the Moment of Contact painting for the 152 Sigs (also known as the Battle Chooks). |
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SAS - Compound Assault (Oil on Canvas)
Original Artwork Location: SAS Regiment
“SASR targeting operations against Taliban leadership routinely required the assault and clearance of hostile Afghan villages. Contact with the enemy often occurred both in and around compounds resulting in intense, close quarter fire-fights. SAS operators swarm the insurgent stronghold, with nerve, courage and teamwork being vital. An airborne overwatch team scans the surrounds looking to interdict combatants attempting to flee whilst a military working dog strains to be loosed into the fight. Loyal dedication saw a number of dogs killed in action, effectively saving the lives of many Regiment members during the conflict.” |
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The Australian SAS Soldier (Jubilee Artwork) (Oil on Canvas)
Artwork and Poem by Ian Coate
Original Artwork Location: SAS Art Collection. CLICK HERE for more info...
Australia has a canny son – his skills are world renowned
When tensions on the globe erupt, he’s first upon the ground
He’s the lion of the army – to this most would agree.
He’s the fully rounded soldier that many want to be.
Though many seek selection - few ever make the grade.
The sandy beret signifies: a master of his trade.
He’s a military specialist – an expert with his tools.
He’s quick to speak what’s on his mind and doesn’t suffer fools.
He’s a stubborn sort of fellow who seems without a care.
His motto’s not for cowards - to win he has to dare.
You’ll find him in the jungles, the deserts and the snow.
But ask him where he’ll be next week; he’ll say he doesn’t know.
He moves freely in the daytime, but always out of sight.
He appears where least expected – a phantom in the night.
He’ll face extreme conditions with minimum supply.
His body may be soaking, but his humour’s always dry.
He pays the price for liberty – far from the warmth of home.
His family pays a price as well, through endless months alone.
In public celebrations, we never see his face.
In times of recognition, he feels quite out of place.
He says - it’s just his duty, the service that he vowed.
But Australia thanks you anyway; you’ve done this country proud.
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SAS Borneo (Watercolour)
Original Artwork Location: SAS Regiment
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SAS Vietnam (Watercolour)
Original Artwork Location: SAS Regiment
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SAS Counter Terrorism (Watercolour)
Original Artwork Location: SAS Regiment
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SAS Timor (Watercolour)
Original Artwork Location: SAS Regiment
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SAS Iraq (Watercolour)
Original Artwork Location: SAS Regiment
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SAS Military Working Dogs (Watercolour)
Original Artwork Location: SAS Regiment
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SAS Company Operator (Watercolour)
Original Artwork Location: SAS Regiment
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The Australian SAS Timeline (Watercolour)
Original Artwork Location: SAS Regiment
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In His Sights (Oil on Canvas)
Original Artwork Location: SAS Regiment
SAS Operator emerging from a red smoke grenade. There is an optical illusion with this painting - whatever angle you view this artwork you are always in the operator's sights. |
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Taking Shelter (Watercolour)
Original Artwork Location: SAS Regiment
A SAS troop endures the bitter cold of Arctic Warfare Training on the mountain leaders course in the Snowy Mountains. CLICK HERE for more... |
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SASR Support (Watercolour)
Original Artwork Location: SAS Regiment
Behind every SAS operator is a team of support . |
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The Sentinel (Oil on Canvas)
Original Artwork Location: SAS Regiment
SAS Counter Terrorist emerging from the green haze of a smoke grenade during counter-terrorist training. CLICK HERE for more... |
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Salute (Pencil)
Original Artwork Location: Western Australian Military Museum
The rendering depict the memorial monument within Campbell Barracks, known simply as ‘The Rock’. It honours the comradeship, discipline and courage of all who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving at the SASR. CLICK HERE for more... |
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Night Ops (Oil on Canvas)
Original Artwork Location: Private Collection
An SAS Water Operator on night patrol. |
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The Calm Before the Storm (Mixed Media)
Original Artwork Location: 4RAR
A tactical night beach-landing orchestrated by members of the SAS Water Operation Patrol. CLICK HERE for more... |
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Exit (Watercolour)
Original Artwork Location: SAS Regiment
SASR Free Fall Soldiers conducting training from a Caribou Aircraft from 10,000ft. CLICK HERE for more... |
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Long Walk Home (Pencil)
Original Artwork Location: SAS Regiment
A soldier undertaking the Selection Course, enduring an exhausted body, sore feet and a long walk home. Anyone who has been in the military can relate to this poor soul. CLICK HERE for more... |
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Deployed (Pencil)
Artwork and Poem by Ian Coate
Original Artwork Location: SAS Art Collection.
We’re on deployment yet again; I hope it’s somewhere cool.
Like Bali on a tropic isle – peacekeeping by the pool.
Or Paris, Rome or Amsterdam, just think of all the sights.
Or stationed up in Canada, we’ll see the Northern Lights.
In Asia there’s the Chinese wall – that’s one I’d like to see.
The mountain range in Switzerland – now that’s the place for me.
I’m pumped up now; I just can’t wait, to see where we’re deployed.
This army gig is not all bad, with perks for those employed.
The plane has stopped, the doors are down; let’s see where we have flown.
Ah crap! Another desert hole! I should have bloody known.
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In the Jungles of Borneo (Watercolor)
Original Artwork Location: Private Collection.
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SAS Wandering (Acrylic)
Original Artwork Location: SAS Regiment
By Dennis Kickett (Noongali) & Ian Coate
This artwork was a collaboration with myself and a reknowned Indigenous Artist Dennis Kickett (Noongali) to commemorate the SASR Golden Jubilee. The mystical warrior of the Noongar Dreaming, who according to Aboriginal legend has been the protector of this great land of Australia for over 40,00 years, acknowledges the wandering SAS soldier. The three circles at the top of the painting represent hills within the Southern Cross. |
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 In 2014, the SAS ‘Out of the Shadows’ exhibition at the WA Museum was a great success, with an estimated 24 thousand people touring the collection.
For those who were unable to attend this exhibition, PRESS HERE for a quick virtual tour of what you missed. |
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Acknowledgements
I would like to recognize the many people who have contributed to the creation of these artworks. The production of which is a collaboration of many minds and various talents - I am simply the monkey at the end of the brush.
The SAS Series: Thanks to the SAS Regiment, SAS Historical Foundation and the SAS Association. Thanks Andy Brudnell for planting the seed, Kerry & Kay Danes for the starting chance. A special mention to Greg Mawkes, Brett Warner, Adrian Blacker, Bart Mavrick, Gary Kingston, Hugh Donald, Brian & Annette Kent, Morgan Bell, Jamie Dinne, Marty & Bob from the Sgt's Mess and to the many soldiers who modeled. |
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