Born in Tasmania, John’s formative years were spent at Rossarden and Red Hills in sight of the Great Western Tiers, which became a source of inspiration for his early forages into painting.  Following his graduation from the Tasmanian School of Art in 1975, he taught Visual Art in secondary schools for twenty years before retiring due to profound deafness.  This early retirement was the catalyst that led him to ardently pursue his present passion for painting – first in watercolours, and now in acrylics.  His detailed and realistic style reflects his deep love for the wide-ranging, natural beauty of the Tasmanian landscape. His quest for the ‘Tasmanian equation’ has enabled him to develop the unique and necessary skills needed to recreate the delicate textures and variations of light and colour that, in turn, contribute to the depth and vitality of his works. 

CV

Education

1975 Tasmanian School of Art – Bachelor of Visual Arts (Majors in ceramics and painting) Tasmanian College of Advanced Education – Diploma of Art Education

Experience

Art Retreats and Social Art Functions – Leading artist

Private Tuition – Visual art

Adult Education Tutor – Visual art

Tasmanian Department of Education (20 years) – Secondary visual art teaching

Solo Exhibitions

2025 Walls of Jerusalem Collection, Madeline Gordon Gallery, Launceston

2023 The Furneaux Collection Exhibition, Scottsdale, TAS

2021The Flinders Collection Exhibition, Scottsdale, TAS

2017 Aspects of Tasmania Exhibition – Strickland Gallery, Hobart TAS

2015 Love This Place Exhibition – Strickland Gallery, Hobart, TAS

2013 Country Club Resort Summer Exhibition (Watercolour), Launceston, TAS

2012 Flinders Island Exhibition (Watercolour), Scottsdale, TAS  

Exhibitions

2024 Bay of Fires Art Award  –  FINALIST

2023 North East Art & Craft Festival, Scottsdale, TAS – ART PRIZE

2006 – 08 North Launceston Rotary Art Exhibition, Launceston, TAS – People’s Choice Award

1982 National Art Awards, VIC – Shortlisted for Awards

1982 Henry Lawson – Doug Moran Representational Landscape Prize, Gulgong, NSW – Shortlisted for Awards

1981 – 82 Currabubula Art & Craft Exhibition, NSW – Highly Commended

1980 –Narrabri Art Exhibition, QLD – First Prize for Watercolour Painting

1980 – 23 North East Art & Craft Association, Scottsdale, TAS – People’s Choice Award (Awarded six times}