b'733GEORGE RUSSELL (Russell) DRYSDALE (191281),Willy-Willy, N. Queensland,ink and watercolour on board,signed with initials, titled and dated 49 lower right,19 x 28.5cmPROVENANCEChristies, Australian Paintings, Melbourne, 01/03/1973, Lot No. 268.Drysdale made several trips to Europe; during 193839, he attended the Grosvenor School in London and the Grande Chaumire in Paris. By the time he returned to Australia in June 1939, Drysdale was recognised within Australia as an important emerging talent, but had yet to find his own vision. His decision to leave Melbourne for Albury and then Sydney in 1940 was instrumental in his discovery of his lifelong subject matter, the Australian outback and its inhabitants. Equally important was the influence of fellow artist, Peter Purves Smith, in guiding him towards his characteristic mature style, with its use of desolate landscapes inhabited by sparse figures under ominous skies.$8,00012,000'