Newton, Derek

“All hands on Deck”

Now I’m not a sailor but I’m often inspired by masted boats with bellowing sails grappling with the wind and the disciplined sailors working the ropes, with this as inspiration I often find myself painting the old Thames barges or similar craft, the Swan river is my nearest water course and although no similar craft can be found along the river here, modern craft with their white masts set against a dark background often make a nice setting, while moody sky’s or restful dusk light can add to a paintings appeal.

I work mainly from my Wanneroo studio just north of Perth in Western Australia, but can also often be found wandering with my sketchbook pens and pencils, not having developed much of a relationship with S paint brushes and easel working plein air,

I’m Vice President W.A of the Marine Artists of Australia, member of the Water Colour Society of W.A and many other art groups.

Derek is an author and magazine writer, He is both a pencil and watercolour artist and also a wood sculptor,

When not working in his studio Derek spends most of his time researching material or traveling for one of his two regular series of articles for Artists’ Pallet magazines.

Those segments are ‘A Teachers Pet’ which is featured in the Artists Back to Basics segment and ‘My Space’ articles for the Creative Artist Magazine.

Together with his membership of the Watercolour Society of W.A and other local clubs Derek is also an exhibition member of the Marine Artists of Australia, the Australian Guild of Realist Artists and  Black & White Illustrators International.

Today much of his work reflects a maritime theme, especially life along the Thames river and the old Thames barges.

This year Derek will be visiting ten of his favourite W.A country towns and producing an illustrated studio book working in pencil and fine pen.

Awards:  Shirley Lutze Memorial award twice out of the past three years.
Publications:  Feature writer for Artists Palette & Back to Basics Magazines
Recent Sales:  Monet Gallery, Houghton Winery, Beverly Station Art Gallery, York Art & Craft Exhibition.
Studio:   My home studio is open each year for Australian Heritage Week and other times by appointment.
Experienced Art judge.
Specialising in drawing, painting Australian Heritage Buildings and Landscapes.