Renowned Shoalhaven painter John Downton celebrates his 80th birthday this year and 50 years as an artist.
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To mark the occasion Ecliptic Gallery is presenting a special exhibition "Spirit of Place - Searching For The Story" at the Malvern Artists Galleries, in High Street, Malvern (inner Melbourne), Victoria.
The exhibition officially opens this Saturday, March 23 and runs until Sunday, March 31.
It will feature 40 of John's stunning oil paintings, including major works which capture Australia's early maritime history and the essential nature of "our bush".
It also represents the challenges inherent in settling in our ancient island home, and the unspoken spiritual connections we have with the land, its characteristic gumtrees, the sea on the coast and the banks of rivers "outback".
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It is the first Downton exhibition since John, an internationally recognised artists, was awarded the Order of Australia [OAM] in 2017, in recognition of his valuable contribution to Australian art and the community.
"This exhibition has been in the making for some 50 years or so and as this is my 80th year on the planet, it's timely," he said.
"The 1988 Australia Bicentennial celebrations stirred me to paint an exhibition that means a lot to me...a tingle of pride to all who call Australia home...that hopefully reflects Australia today, still with its wide open spaces and many opportunities which generate excitement within.
"This exhibition continues that spirit of 30 years ago."
Downton's painting takes us through a journey - the history of our country - echoes from the past - Cobb and Co and square rigged ships, steam trains to paddle steamers on the Murray.
He shows out spiritual connection with the land and the sea.
The rivers, beaches and farmlands we see whenever we get out of town in the car or fly over in a plane.
Over the past decade Ecliptic Gallery director Tony Lack has come to know John, saying he appreciated his lifelong journey from fisherman to watch/instrument maker in the 1950s-60s, to his 1970 declaration to become an artist.
"The sincerity of his word and deed can be found in his family life, his art and the extensive support for his community and the country," he said.
"He has written an autobiography and has had tours of duty with the navy and has a gallery in the Naval Museum named after him.
"He is a bit quirky and had a tough start in life - it seems most artists are a bit like that but he has persevered with dedication, artistic competence and a deep understanding and a profound connection with his subjects.
"These are the hallmarks of his works."
"Spirit of Place - Searching For The Story" will be officially opened this Saturday, March 23 at 2pm. The gallery is open daily from 10am-6pm.