Growing up in Melbourne in the 1970s, I discovered the colours and character of Australia at a very early age. My heart skipped a beat when I read and studied Dorothy McKellar's poem 'My Country' and that's when I knew this love with painting would last a lifetime. The depiction of a 'sunburnt country' trifled wildly in my mind. The colours of Australia, and in particular of my home state of Victoria resonate deeply within me. Following my studies in Fine Art at Melbourne University I gained a deeper appreciation of the different art and painting styles. In the 1980s I was an active member of the Malvern Artists Society under the tutelage of some of Australia's great artists, it was there that I gained the inspiration to continue painting and eventally exhibit. Over the last couple of decades, I have concentrated on practising almost exclusively in watercolours. Today I paint landscapes; fauna and flora; and historic and interesting houses: things inspired by what I see in my travels around Australia. I also create bespoke pieces commissioned by clients for a special purpose. |