I returned to Australia in 1991 and have continued to study and paint in Canberra, and Melbourne and am now back in Sydney painting and studying portraiture in particular with Yve Close, who has become friend and mentor and whose book on Joshua Smith, Artist, with whom she was associated for over 20 years, was published earlier this year. The study of character and colour fascinates me and the struggle of capturing these in the texture of oil paint is the ultimate gratification for me. I love the Baroque period – the Golden Age of Painting, European and American Impressionism and, of course, the Heidleberg school in Australian art. I love painting portraits of young and old, still lifes and landscapes.
I firmly believe that painting from life produces a more interesting study and brings integrity to the quality of observation of the subject. Painting for me is an utterly pleasurable visual experience and has little need of a transcript or verbal supplement. It communicates meaning in a non-verbal way using visual images and objects as it is the visual language that engages the senses and makes poetic gestures of colour, light and interpretation of form and/or design.
1986-1990
Studied at New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
1990
1990-1994
Moved to Australia
Lived in Canberra
1995-1996
Lived in Melbourne
1996-2001
Lived in Sydney (studied portraiture with Yve Close for four years. Ms Close is a painter in her own right and author of book on Joshua Smith)
Exhibiting Member of Royal Art Society of NSW
Exhibiting Member of Portrait Artists Australia
Exhibiting Member of Drummoyne Art Society
Exhibitions:
October 1999
November 2000
April 2001
September 14th 2001
1990 – Highly Commended at Mosman Art Show
Painted A.D. Hope from Life in 1992
Entered Archibald 5 times, Portia Geach four times
· 2-man Exhibition “Hang It” at Balmain Watch House
· 4-man Exhibition at Balmain Watch House
· 5-man “Quintessential Views” Exhibition at Royal Art Society of NSW
· Published in “Australian Art Collector” by Royal Art Society of NSW in April-June 2001 issue
· 4-man Exhibition at Balmain Watch House -
September 2004
October 2004
Published Article in September issue of Balmain Sinfonia’s ‘Noteworthy’ magazine.
Exhibition at Dunmore Lang College, Macquarie University
I prefer to work from life and usually take approximately 5-10 sittings, depending on the size of the painting and if it is a head, three-quarter with hands, or a full length study. I do take back-up video photography as a precaution and to finish off certain areas of drapery and/or clothing or backgrounds.
Price varies from $1,000 to $5,000 for a full-length study.