Description
The painting “Australia’s First Squatter” – by Howard William Steer
Australia’s First Squatter is a funny and colourful painting by Broken Hill artist Howard William Steer. In this artwork, a female settler is seen crouching under a tree in the middle of the Australian outback. Nearby, her wagon and horses wait beside the dusty track. The joke in the painting comes from the word “squatter,” which has two meanings. One refers to early European settlers who took up land in the bush. The other, more humorous meaning, is someone taking a quick toilet break. Steer combines both meanings in a clever and playful way.
The painting shows the wide, open landscape of the outback. The ground is bright orange, with blue-grey bushes scattered across it. A group of white and pink birds flies across the sky. The colours are bold and cheerful, which helps bring energy and humour to the scene.
The artist Howard William Steer (1947-current)
Howard William Steer grew up in Broken Hill, a remote mining town in New South Wales. Because he knows outback life so well, his paintings feel real and relatable. Over the years, he has become well-known for using humour to tell stories about rural Australia. His style is cartoon-like, with stretched-out shapes and funny details that make each scene memorable.
Steer often paints characters who are tough, clever, and full of personality. His work celebrates the everyday life of people who live far from the city. Through art, he shows their struggles, their creativity, and their strong sense of humour.
Australia’s First Squatter is a great example of how Steer uses jokes and bright colours to share stories about Australian history and outback life. His paintings make people smile, while also reminding them of the spirit and resilience found in the bush.
