About the Artist

Although I have never been able to draw, I have been interested in art since childhood. I grew up in Australia and remember doing a grade school project on Michelangelo and being fascinated by his work in the Sistine Chapel. My paternal grandmother was quite artistic and I have been inspired by the works of her brother (my great uncle), the Australian artist Colin Colahan.   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colin_Colahan  Colin was appointed as an official Australian War Artist during the Second World War and belonged to the Max Meldrum School of  Art.    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_tonalism 

Colin was a both a portrait and landscape artist. Many of his works graced our family and grandparent's homes. Neither of my parents could draw or paint, although my mother had a talent for decoration. Both my  parents  appreciated art, with many great paintings around the family home.  My younger brother Bill, was a fine artist in the style of the Max Meldrum School. Several of my children have a flair for art.

I first used a paint brush in 2003 and found that I could somehow put oil to canvas. This was followed by some fundamental lessons in mixing paint at the Rochester Art Gallery in Minnesota. Since then I have taken several classes at the Scottsdale School of Art.

As well as being inspired by the Max Meldrum School of Art, artists that I draw inspiration from include

Sir Arthur Streeton https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Streeton

Ernest Buckmaster https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Buckmaster 

President George Bush https://publicdelivery.org/george-w-bush-portraits-of-courage/  and

Clifton Pugh https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clifton_Pugh

All my paintings are in oil and usually on boards (Masonite). My palette includes only 6 colours and titanium white. Phthalo Green, ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson, cadmium red light pure, cadmium orange pure, and cadmium yellow light pure. I went to a class once where the instructor had about 20 colours on the palette. I was totally overwhelmed and confused! I enjoy vibrant colours and painting the landscapes of Australia and Southern Arizona. I’ve tried portraits for which I am self-taught. I still consider myself as a beginner and struggle with colour and values.

I thank my wife Anne with all my heart for her patience and support while I do battle with the oils!