In fact, at almost 83, his latest exhibition has been launched at the Fleet Air Arm Museum at HMAS Albatross.

Simply entitled a "Celebration of John Downton" the exhibition features a variety of his works - stunning land and seascapes, through to early Australian scenes featuring a Cobb and Co Coach, a working bullock team, animals - cockatoos, pelicans and dogs - and, of course, his obligatory stunning military works.

Fleet Air Arm Museum director, Stuart Harwood, in introducing the exhibition, described John Downton as "a local treasure".

"The Shoalhaven is very lucky to have an artist of his capability," he said.

"John's relationship with the Fleet Air Arm and the Fleet Air Arm Museum goes back many years.

"He is a great support of the FAA - upstairs we have many of John's maritime works in the John Downton Gallery.

Read more:

"He also donates two works each year to the Fleet Air Arm Association to help with its fundraising activities."

Such has been his involvement, that in 2000 he was invited by the Chief of Navy to deploy to East Timor, to capture the activities of the Australian Interfet Force.

"The paintings from the period now hang in defence and naval establishments in Canberra and Sydney and on at least one ship at sea," Mr Harwood said.

Mr Harwood said John is considered to be "our official naval artist".

"But as you can see he is not just a naval artist by the work around us," he said.

After training initially as a watchmaker, John later followed his calling as an artist, attending classes at the Royal Arts Society of NSW, as well as private lessons with George Duncan and spent many years open air painting across Australia with his friend Mike McCarthy and mentor and master artist Leonard Long.

Although not counting, it's understood to be more than his 85th solo exhibition and, of course over the years he has received many accolades.

Commanding Officer of the Fleet Air Arm, Commodore Dave Frost officially launched the exhibition on Thursday.

Commodore Frost was joined by the Fleet Air Arm's leadership team, the commanding officers of all the squadrons based at HMAS Albatross.

"It is a pleasure to be here and an honour to launch the exhibition," he said.

"I see John's work every day, a number of his artworks adorn the walls of my office.

"It is beautiful work. On behalf of the Fleet Air Arm and on behalf of the navy I thank John for his service. You leave a fantastic legacy for the Fleet Air Arm."

Commodore Frost said 2022 will be a special year for the Fleet Air Arm, celebrating its 75th anniversary.

"It is a special year and your work brings that to the fore," he said.

"It's going to be a big year celebrating the 75th anniversary, with lots of local activities and this is a great way to kick it off."

With more than 50 years of painting under his belt John Downton says he's "still learning".

"The exhibition is paintings of various subject matters and styles," he said.

"I'm still learning, believe me - you never stop learning when you do this.

"As for the actual painting, I do that for my family, my extended family and my adopted family, the defence force. Also my other adopted family, the people of Eden.

"Some people think you paint for money - it's nothing to do with money - it's about painting things that people can look at and enjoy."

John says he's not sure how many of his works are on display at the current exhibition, but he has nominated one as his favourite.

The stunning painting of the square rigger, "Rona", in heavy Tasman Seas, entitled, Maintaining Her Dignity, "Rona" at work.

"I just love that painting," he said.

"All the artworks in the exhibition are for sale, except this one. I'm taking that one home."

Built in Ireland in 1885, the square rigger was named "Polly Woodside".

It was sold to New Zealand owners and renamed "Rona" and engaged in trade between New Zealand and Australia and the USA.

Following her final voyage in 1921 she was sold to an Australian company. She now is a museum in Melbourne, known by her old name "Polly Woodside".

The exhibitions will be on display at the museum's gallery until June 1.

And if you'd like to see more of John Downton's stunning works, a great selection is on permanent display in the John Downton Gallery, upstairs at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, or you can purchase, The Dirty Big Red Book, which documents some of his wonderful work, which is also available from the museum.

The museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays, 10-4pm.

We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.