Artwork
Underwater Drawing
I pull the weighted drawing board from the transom step and it takes me quickly to the bottom. Encumbered by that and my underwater camera I have to fin hard across to my daily vantage point, on the sand I find my balance, adjust my gear a little here and there, fish around for a graphite crayon in the BC pocket, look up at the reef flooded by morning light, down to the drawing board, up and back, find my starting point and begin. Almost immediately I’m absorbed by the process. It’s a meditation, just the noise of my breathing, the steady din of bubbles rising past my ears, clicks and groans from the reef.
Coral Reef Paintings
This work has given me a deep appreciation of the underwater world, marine life and the coral reef with its incredible diversity and complexity. Through my underwater explorations, observation and patient creation of these panoramic paintings, I wish to bring to a large audience, scenes never before portrayed, I would like to show the extraordinary beauty of the underwater world and help future generations to understand the essence of biodiversity and perhaps inspire them to create imaginative solutions for its preservation.
Coral Reef Paintings
This work has given me a deep appreciation of the underwater world, marine life and the coral reef with its incredible diversity and complexity. Through my underwater explorations, observation and patient creation of these panoramic paintings, I wish to bring to a large audience, scenes never before portrayed, I would like to show the extraordinary beauty of the underwater world and help future generations to understand the essence of biodiversity and perhaps inspire them to create imaginative solutions for its preservation.
Marine Life Portraits
Careful observation, combined with my scientific training; an understanding of the anatomy and ecology of my subjects; and many years of painting experience. Over the past three decades I have created over 6000 marine life portraits. Ideally I make a very detailed, lifesize drawing from a specimen, using calipers to ensure accurate proportions and extensive photography to record the live colours. The painting is then created back in my studio in Fremantle. I feel very much part of a historical continuum which connects me to the great voyages of discovery of the 18th and 19th centuries and their artists who have inspired me, such as Ferdinand Bauer and Charles Alexandre Lesueur.
Other Works
I have tackled a huge variety of subjects over my career. From birds to beetles, landscapes to abstract architectural panels. Each with its own challenges and each stimulating my curiosity and desire to know more of my subjects. Often in extraordinary circumstances, perched in a rainforest tree drawing its epiphyte laden branches or peering into a microscope to discover the detail of a stick insect. I have drawn and painted since my earliest childhood, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t making some sort of art, but always inspired and informed by the natural world around us.
Other Works
I have tackled a huge variety of subjects over my career. From birds to beetles, landscapes to abstract architectural panels. Each with its own challenges and each stimulating my curiosity and desire to know more of my subjects. Often in extraordinary circumstances, perched in a rainforest tree drawing its epiphyte laden branches or peering into a microscope to discover the detail of a stick insect. I have drawn and painted since my earliest childhood, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t making some sort of art, but always inspired and informed by the natural world around us.