AS NEXUS Community Gallery marks its 20th birthday at The Old Butter Factory in Bellingen, local artist and committed volunteer and friend of the gallery, John Biggar, has opened his one-man show of Latest Works.
They can be viewed in the Studio Gallery until 11 September.
A multi-award-winning artist, John Biggart has a wealth of painting experience and is well-versed in classical oil painting techniques.
His latest works highlight his love of paint as a medium and his desire to continuously explore new ways of working.
Now aged in his eighties, he began painting at the age of 16 when he was attending night school at Hurstville.
John said he soon began winning shows and selling his paintings, so when an opening became available for an art teacher at Hurstville he applied and was given the job.
“Over the years I have had big gaps where I have been unable to pursue painting, but since retiring I have time to paint as much as I like”, he said.
“Painting is a very necessary part of my life.
“My work has evolved from working very traditionally with oils and watercolours, to working with acrylics in more abstract ways.
“Although I do not travel now, bits of my travels still appear in my paintings.
“Some may see my work as complete abstraction but to me the paintings are landscapes.”
His advice to young artists just starting out is that “drawing is the foundation of art.
“It is so important to develop your drawing skills as they are the starting point for everything else.”
By Andrea FERRARI
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