A Member “Friend of the Caloundra Regional Gallery”, the Pastel Society of Australia and founder of Artists Alliance Australia.

Biography: Although art was my favourite subject at school, I did not pursue a career in art, instead serving an apprenticeship in the printing and graphic arts field, later moving into the field of printing where my colour co-ordination and colour matching skills proved a great asset.

I later started my own business in an unrelated field, insurance and finance where I remained until retirement at age 60.

At age 40 I started painting again, but found that running a growing business and a growing family didn’t leave much time for painting. I had been introduced to pastels and after retiring I have used both pastels and oils from then on.

Although I appreciate all types of art, my favourite subject matter is land and seascapes. I am a “realist", I paint the way nature presents a scene or subject. I believe, except for some artistic licence for composition and colour, honesty of expression is the most important aspect in presenting art to the viewer. Art should reflect nature, therefore I paint what I see. I don’t believe nature needs any embellishment.

I exhibited in my first show in October 2007 and met with immediate success, gaining “Best in Show”. I have received many commissions and sales since and most recently was awarded another two in the Queensland PAQ Art Competition competition, many more have followed.

I founded AAA Inc. approximately 5 years ago, with the objective of presenting a wide range of art to art lovers everywhere and making it easy and economical for artists to show and sell their work.

Although my failing health has meant that I have had to “take a back seat", I am pleased to say that AAA has grown and is continuing to flourish under new leadership and the tireless effort of AAA Secretary Karan Gerard, Tricia Wheatstone and all the members of the management team. Now having approximately 80 members, they continue to attract enthusiastic sponsors and new artists all the time.

Now nearing 82 years of age, I continue painting but at a slower pace. I moved to Caloundra, with my wife Barbara, approximately six years ago and continue to claim the virtues of this beautiful place to our envious friends “down south”.