Disturbance

In 1980 I commenced work as a teacher of Signwriting and Pictorial Art at Sydney TAFE in Ultimo.  I obtained my Diploma of Teaching and taught full time for 16 years until retirement and then a further 3 years as a part-time teacher.  During this period I worked alongside some talented colleagues and helped shape the early careers of some gifted young signwriters. I was also an active member of the Signwriters Guild, which fostered traditional brush skills.

As for recreational art, I began painting local scenes around Sydney in the 1970’s as my children grew older and time away from my business allowed.  I worked in all mediums and all types of subject matter to broaden my skills and experiment with style.  I attended short art courses, including in Millthorpe NSW where I acquired a real taste for landscape painting.  However, real improvement did not occur until a friend showed me the Meldrum method of tonal realism and the indisputable value of working from life.

I am a Life Member of the Bowral District Art Society, a Fellow of the Royal Art Society of NSW and an Exhibiting Member of The Australian Society of Marine Artists.  I exhibit with these and other art societies on a regular basis and enter numerous art competitions every year.

Most notable finalist achievements:
    •    Fishers Ghost Prize, Campbelltown, NSW
    •    Norville Landscape Prize, Murrurundi, NSW – 2 times.
    •    Glover Landscape Prize, Evandale, TAS – 2 times.
    •    Goulburn Art Prize, Goulburn, NSW – several times.
    •    Berkelouw Portrait Prize, Bowral, NSW – 4 times.
    •    Mosman Art Prize, Mosman, NSW – 3 times.
    •    Winner, People’s Choice, Copes Prize, Bowral, NSW.
    •    ANL Marine Prize, Mission to Seafarers, VIC – 7 times hung and Winner in 2009
    •    Winner, President’s Medal, Australian Society of Marine Artists, 2009 and 2015.
    •    Commendations in Art Prizes in Bowral, Tumut, Nowra and The Royal Motor Yacht Club, Sydney.

My works are owned by collectors in Australia and overseas.  I also created the public town mural at Bundanoon, NSW in 2002.

I have held 7 solo exhibitions since 2000 in several venues, notably at the Royal Art Society, NSW in the Lavender Bay Gallery – “Moods of the Flinders” and at the Balmain Watch House – “The Vision Splendid” with 65 works.  Fortunately, all exhibitions have been well received with a high percentage of sales.

I am a Founder of the Berrima Plein-Air Painting Group in 2005.  I have participated in 5 exhibitions with this group since 2008.  The essential theme of such exhibitions is local Artists depicting local scenes in the spontaneous Plein-Air style.