John Downton

Although born in Sydney, John has lived both in the country and the city and his love of Australian landscapes shines through in all his work. Many childhood years were spent at Werri Beach and on the South Coast at Eden and the affinity John has with the bush and coastal hills has resulted in all his works being tremendously alive. The local industries of timber and fishing enrich his store of knowledge which is painted onto his canvas.

With his grandfather being a certified Master Mariner, it is natural to find in John an inherent deep love of the sea. For some time he worked as a fisherman with his own small boat in and around Twofold Bay. This has given a magical depth to his seascape oils with many varied moods of the sea depicted. Critics viewing John’s work have commented that the waves appear to move as one gazes, or that one could reach out and wet one’s finger in the water. Sunshine, rain, and the grandeur of storms become real beneath his brush. Serenity is just as ably portrayed with a peace and tranquillity emanating from the scene. His love of nature in all its facets brings his work into varied fields. The wild beauty of Australia and the stark colours of the Red Centre, the mysteries of still life–whether in oils or charcoal–become a miracle at John’s touch. Favorable comments include that he portrays the mistiness of early morning bush scenes like no other artist has been able to do.