I am not interested in nostalgia but in the journey – I am a story teller – the past, present and future are all seen in my paintings.
Like my early tutor, William Robinson, I have strong faith. In his work the spiritual journey of life is translated through the landscapes and bush that he knows so well – in my own way that journey is through the suburban inner city landscape I grew up in and know well.
The falls, failings, aspirations and discoveries are there in symbols – staircases and roads, open verandahs; some barred and fenced in, deserted, or with a thoughtful chair waiting for someone to sit and think.
The light poles are new life, new directions. I rarely paint flat areas as this journey is mostly uphill or sidelined into deadends.
Above all though, is the transforming light of hope and change – Brisbane, my home town, is just my canvas for the story.
As to style, it has just evolved naturally , though I have always been a draughtsman – the initial drawing on the canvas is vital to the composition. Line is an intrinsic part of my work. Looking back I can see line has been important to all my favourite artists of the past – Van Gogh, Utrillo, Degas, and Lautrec. I am definitely not a fauvist!
My new book is a compilation of many of my paintings of Brisbane over the last ten years, plus some favourites from the 2012 book. It is a ramble through the back streets, and backyards, of Brisbane inner city suburbs. The sub tropical colours and light here are unique – the great flaming poincianas, purple jacarandas, and rampant red bougainvilleas contrast with tin roofs in traditional reds and greens, as well as modern silver and white.
All the places and stories in paintings and books are real and can be found if you look. Old and new, past present and future.
Awards and Recognition
2013 Finalist – Clayton Utz Art Award
2012 Finalist – Clayton Utz Art Award
2008 Grand Champion, Nundah Art Award, Brisbane
2007 Finalist, Macarthur Cook Art Award
2007 First Prize, Nundah Art Award, Brisbane
1992 – 2008 Highly Commended and Finalist Tattersalls Art Award
Exhibitions
Lethbridge Gallery, Paddington July 2017
Lethbridge Gallery, Paddington May 2016
Lethbridge Gallery, Paddington April 2014
Lethbridge Gallery, Paddington Sept. 2012
Kiln Gallery, Paddington Sept 2010
Kiln Gallery, Paddington July 2009
Exhibiting Galleries
Montville Art Gallery, Montville, Qld.
Artist Biography
I am not interested in nostalgia but in the journey – I am a story teller – the past, present and future are all seen in my paintings.
Like my early tutor, William Robinson, I have strong faith. In his work the spiritual journey of life is translated through the landscapes and bush that he knows so well – in my own way that journey is through the suburban inner city landscape I grew up in and know well.
The falls, failings, aspirations and discoveries are there in symbols – staircases and roads, open verandahs; some barred and fenced in, deserted, or with a thoughtful chair waiting for someone to sit and think.
The light poles are new life, new directions. I rarely paint flat areas as this journey is mostly uphill or sidelined into deadends.
Above all though, is the transforming light of hope and change – Brisbane, my home town, is just my canvas for the story.
As to style, it has just evolved naturally , though I have always been a draughtsman – the initial drawing on the canvas is vital to the composition. Line is an intrinsic part of my work. Looking back I can see line has been important to all my favourite artists of the past – Van Gogh, Utrillo, Degas, and Lautrec. I am definitely not a fauvist!
My new book is a compilation of many of my paintings of Brisbane over the last ten years, plus some favourites from the 2012 book. It is a ramble through the back streets, and backyards, of Brisbane inner city suburbs. The sub tropical colours and light here are unique – the great flaming poincianas, purple jacarandas, and rampant red bougainvilleas contrast with tin roofs in traditional reds and greens, as well as modern silver and white.
All the places and stories in paintings and books are real and can be found if you look. Old and new, past present and future.
Awards and Recognition
2013 Finalist – Clayton Utz Art Award
2012 Finalist – Clayton Utz Art Award
2008 Grand Champion, Nundah Art Award, Brisbane
2007 Finalist, Macarthur Cook Art Award
2007 First Prize, Nundah Art Award, Brisbane
1992 – 2008 Highly Commended and Finalist Tattersalls Art Award
Exhibitions
Lethbridge Gallery, Paddington July 2017
Lethbridge Gallery, Paddington May 2016
Lethbridge Gallery, Paddington April 2014
Lethbridge Gallery, Paddington Sept. 2012
Kiln Gallery, Paddington Sept 2010
Kiln Gallery, Paddington July 2009
Exhibiting Galleries
Montville Art Gallery, Montville, Qld.