A landmark work of Australian art criticism, Geoffrey Dutton's study presents a comprehensive portrait of Russell Drysdale, one of the most iconic and influential painters in Australian art history. Dutton chronicles Drysdale's artistic evolution, tracing how the painter transformed the harsh, sun-bleached landscapes of the Australian outback into haunting, emotionally resonant images that redefined how the continent saw itself. With authoritative and eloquent prose, Dutton argues that Drysdale's vision was not merely documentary but profoundly humanist, capturing the dignity and isolation of rural Australians — Indigenous peoples, drovers, and settlers alike — with unflinching empathy. The text situates Drysdale within the broader context of twentieth-century Australian modernism, illustrating how his work broke from European traditions to forge a distinctly national visual language. This critical monograph stands as an essential reference for anyone seeking to understand the depth and legacy of one of Australia's most celebrated artistic voices.