The Old Bus

“The Old Bus” is a powerful and evocative painting by Brian Carew-Hopkins, capturing the essence of decay and abandonment. Originally bought by the artist’s parents in the 1950s, the bus was meant to serve as sleeping quarters for the shearing team that visited the farm annually. However, it was never completed and instead sat under a tree for 40 years, becoming a kids’ playground and storage shed. The painting depicts the bus in a state of disrepair, with broken windows and a ghostly aura surrounding the trees. The rocky ground adds to the feeling of decay, making the painting a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the passage of time. Painted in 1981, this piece showcases Brian’s skill and mastery of representational oil on canvas art, and is a highlight of his WA wheatbelt period.