I am a retired high school art teacher, university professor, and pastor. As a young teenager growing up in Sydney I enjoyed plein air oil painting. The Australian landscape has been my interest all my life. Now, much older and after a number of changes in career, I am able to rediscover my love of oil landscape painting. No longer en plein air, I paint in my studio from photos I have taken on sight, having experienced the scene I endeavour to interpret on canvas.
I am not a self-expressionist; I don't see any worth in venting my feelings. Some of those must come through, I'm sure, but my focus is on God's Creation...the wonder of it. There is so much wonder and beauty to meditate upon. I paint, seizing the moment: waves in detail, surfers doing what they love, seagulls on the beach, two men strolling pensively on the shore and children playing carelessly in the sand, still others enjoying - just enjoying.
I love Sydney Harbour and the Northern Beaches. What a privilege to live here! I'm back from 20 years living overseas, and I find my life has come full circle - I'm painting again - with new vigour, interest, a wealth of experience to share and most of all, a fresh appreciation for the native beauty of this place I call home.
