Various Australian Military Art
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 Military art is an impacting way of commemorating the innumerable sacrifices done on our behalf and to remind us that these many acts of valour and self-sacrifice should never be forgotten. Being a former soldier myself, I endeavour to depict scenes that remind service personnel that there is much to live up to. Sadly, the media often depicts the small percentage of negative and the scandalous things that happen in the military. I hope to balance that by depicting the many inspiring moments of overcoming personal challenges, fulfilling the role you were trained for, protecting and defending, healing and building, and bonding with mates.
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Australian Veterans (Oil on Canvas)
Artwork by Ian Coate. Original Artwork Location: Randwick Barracks
When LtCol Brett Huggins approached me with a commission for Randwick Barracks wanting to have a painting commemorating modern-era veterans, I was very excited. In military units, RSLs and Associations we have a number of paintings depicting WW1, WW2 and Vietnam era, and are even starting to get paintings commemorating our contribution in Afghanistan; however, there have been few paintings that give tribute to the veterans that have served in the Peacekeeping and world conflicts that happened since the start of the 90s.
This artwork was a team effort with many discussions on the best way to represent the deployments and the soldiers that served. The distinctive hats were the key and we used serving soldiers as models for authenticity.
In a time where RSLs and Military Associations are struggling to get new members, I would encourage them plus the military units around Australia to hang a replica of this painting in their hallways or messes to let modern veterans know their contribution is remembered and valued.
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Our Duties Done (oil on canvas)
Artwork and Poem by Ian Coate
Original Artwork Location: Private Collection CLICK HERE for more...
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The Colours of Duntroon (oil on canvas)
Artwork and Poem by Ian Coate
Original Artwork Location: RMC Duntroon CLICK HERE for more...
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Timor - Build Up to Peace (Pencil)
Original Artwork Location: Private Collection
The artwork is a collage of images representing the peacekeeping mission to Timor. The main players in this historic drama are represented: Timorese militant civilians surrounded by Australian and New Zealand soldiers, Filipino Rangers and Gurkhas. HMAS Adelaide, ANZAC, Success, Tobruck, Jervis Bay, plus ASLAVS, APCs, Blackhawk and Hercules are all being overseen by the INTERFET Commander MAJGEN Cosgrove. Point of interest - Ian completed this image (between the duties of caring for his three children) while his wife was deployed in Timor for seven months. CLICK HERE for more... |
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The Peacekeepers (Oil on Canvas)
Original Artwork Location: Private Collection CLICK HERE for more...
The painting is a tribute to Australian Peacekeeping - 30 deployments dating from the first, Korea in 1948 until Timor in 2000. Images include: Korea (soldier, Mustang and Vickers crew), Cambodia (Ankor Wat and skulls), Africa (search & medical), Bougainville (HQ's and civilian), Timor (statue), Australian Federal Police, military vehicles (M113, truck, motorcycle), aircraft (Bougainville Huey, Blackhawk, Mustang, Hercules), medical and naval images. Point of interest - the central female soldier is Sue Coate, the artist’s wife, who was in the first Timor deployment with 1st Joint Signals Unit. The little girl is their daughter with a sun tan.
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RAAF Security and Fire School (Water Colour)
Original Artwork Location: RAAF Security and Fire School
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RAAF Security Member (Watercolour)
Original Artwork Location:RAAF Security and Fire School |
ADF Fire Fighter (Watercolour)
Original Artwork Location:RAAF Security and Fire School |
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AF Defence Guard (Watercolour)
Original Artwork Location:RAAF Security and Fire School |
Military Working Dog Handler (Watercolour)
Original Artwork Location:RAAF Security and Fire School |
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Military Puppy Carer (Watercolour)
Original Artwork Location:RAAF Security and Fire School |
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Battle of Long Tan Tribute Artwork (Mixed Media)
Original Artwork Location: Private Collection
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RAEME Mechanic (Oil Painting)
Original Artwork Location: Private Collection
No prints have been made of this artwork.
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RAEME Craftsman in the Field (Water Colour)
Original Artwork Location: SASR Art Collection
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Royal Australian Catering Corps - Come and Get It (Water Colour)
Original Artwork Location: SASR Art Collection
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Royal Australian Medic Corps Artwork (Water Colour)
Original Artwork Location: SASR Art Collection
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Royal Australian Corps of Transport Artwork (Water Colour)
Original Artwork Location: SASR Art Collection
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Royal Australian Ordnance Corps Artwork (Water Colour)
Original Artwork Location: SASR Art Collection
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Portrait of a Soldier (Oil on Canvas)
Original Artwork Location: Private Collection
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Stand Fast (oil on board)
Artwork and Poem by Ian Coate
Original Artwork Location: Private Collection CLICK HERE for more...
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152 Signals Squadron (Water Colour)
Original Artwork Location: SAS Art Collection
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Signals Corps Tech (Watercolour)
Original Artwork Location: SASR Art Collection |
Signals Corps Computer Operator (Watercolour)
Original Artwork Location:SASR Art Collection |
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Signals Corps Bear (Watercolour)
Original Artwork Location: SASR Art Collection |
Signals Corps Radio Operator (Watercolour)
Original Artwork Location: SASR Art Collection |
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Soldiers Supporting Soldier (Oil on Canvas)
Original Artwork Location: 13 CSSB
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Throughout the history of conflict, logistics has and continues to be fundamental to the success of operations. Logistics Corps throughout Army’s history continue to evolve and adapt to the changing strategic environment. The history of Army Logistic Units within Western Australia is varied and diverse, with the raising, disestablishment, re-raising and amalgamation of sub-units and units over 120 years based on national requirements.
The purpose and genesis of this commissioned artwork was to capture and showcase Western Australia’s diverse Army Logistics history and pay homage to the critical role that logistic plays across the period 1902 to 2022. This art work showcases two logistic soldiers, old and new, with the medium of a trunk between them carrying an array of both period and current logistic equipment. In the centre is the 13 Combat Service Support Battalions unit symbol. Silhouetted in the top is a number of distribution platforms ranging from 1902 to 2022 (left to right), further showcasing the progression of distribution technology platforms utilised by Logistics Corps over the 120 years.
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13th Brigade (Watercolour)
Original Artwork Location: 13 Brigade
No prints have been made of this artwork.
This illustration was made purely for recruitment purposes. 13 Brigade wanted an image that showed the diversity of occupations in the military. This illustration was then turned into a recruitment poster and other various merchandising material. CLICK HERE for more... |
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Vietnam War Tribute Coin (Mixed Media)
Original Artwork Location: Private Collection
No prints have been made of this artwork.
I was fortunate to be asked by 'Downies' to help with the artwork to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. In the foreground is a Special Forces Soldier, also known as the Phantoms of the Jungle. CLICK HERE for more... |
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Robert "Bobby" Gibbes DSO DFC & Bar (Pencil)
Original Artwork Location: Private Collection
Highest ‘known’ resale of a Bobby Gibbes Print: Unknown
Wing Commander Bobby Gibbes was one of Australia's air aces in WWII with ten kills plus two shared, five probables and sixteen damaged as well as other strafed on the ground. He served in the Western Desert with 3 Squadron in which he became company commander. He was twice shot down. He later commanded 80 Wing RAAF in the South West Pacific. The Aircraft depicted are a P-40 Kittyhawk and a Spitfire Mk. VIII with the nose art designed by Gibbes' mother. He went on to fly many more years in New Guinea. CLICK HERE for more... |
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This was an interesting project I did in collaboration with another talented artist, Elin Tan. DST Group contacted us needing visuals for their presentations on their fascinating work on future tech for our soldiers. It was a lot of fun to conjure up what tomorrow’s soldier may look like. Elin did the lion’s share of these digital artworks, but it remains one of my most interesting military commissions I’ve been part of.
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From time to time, I am asked to help out with a military memorial project, be it the use of my artworks or to create a concept. It’s always a privilege to be part of these endeavours. Often these memorials don’t come about for one reason or another, but it is always a great thing when they do.
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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.
Various Series: Thanks to Brett Williams of the Military Workshop for his backing and support, 6RAR, 13 Brigade, Duntroon, and special thanks to Alan Smith, Andrew Merchant, Shane Saltmarsh, Bob Whiston, Bobby Gibbs and all the soldiers that modeled for the Various Series.
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