The painting, completed in 1871 is part of the Eugene von Gu?rard exhibition currently on show at the Ararat Regional Art Gallery.

During his 28 years in Australia, von Gu?rard (1811-1901), one of the greatest landscape painters to work in this country, travelled into some of the most rugged and remote reaches of the colonies.

Gallery director, Anthony Camm said Dr Pullin's Australia Day lecture provided a context for understanding the exhibition.

"Ruth is an incredibly dynamic speaker. Everyone was entertained as well as informed. She was really quite extraordinary, because often lectures can be quite dry," he said.

Mr Camm said Dr Pullin discussed von Gu?rard's visits to the Ararat region in 1864 and 1868, bringing to life his journey and the adversities he faced to complete his work.

He said Dr Pullin presented original sketches of the Mt Langi painting, which included a number of notes indicating where von Gu?rard had travelled and where he had stayed and confirmed that he did visit Big Hill as was thought.

Mr Camm said the lecture was accessible to everyone.

"We had almost 50 people attend, which was great. Most people were locals who had viewed the exhibition and wanted to learn more," he said.

Mr Camm said other attendees travelled from Melbourne, either because they were fans of von Gu?rard's work or had a great respect for Dr Pullin's research.

Dr Pullin wrote her PhD thesis on von Gu?rard (The University of Melbourne, 2007). In 2009 she was awarded the C H Currey Fellowship at the Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales, to research the Library's collection of von Gu?rard's sketchbooks. Her research on the artist is continuing.

Mr Camm said the gallery was looking forward to presenting more guest lectures and informal talks at a number of basketry events scheduled at the Ararat Regional Art Gallery in February and March.