Graeme Gordes: Artist
Born: Melbourne
Resides: Camberwell, Victoria
Occupation: Artist
Exhibitions: One-Man Exhibitions
Jasper Hotel CBD 2013
Mission to Seafarers, Docklands 2010
Group Exhibitions
Canterbury Art Exhibition 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Mission to Seafarers Maritime Exhibition 2009, 2010, 2011
Linden Centre for Contemporary Arts, St Kilda 2008
Brunswick Street Gallery 2009
Collections: Tolarno Hotel St Kilda
Private collections Australia & overseas
Arts Education: Winning a box of oil paints in year 5 at Moorabbin State School is an accomplishment I cherish and it set me on a lifelong path of discovering art and my art capabilities. I treasured the oil paints. Such an expensive item was out of reach for my family.
At an early age I was now aware that I could make something that others appreciated and valued. This encouragement and acknowledgement has remained with me throughout the years and instilled a great deal of determination to succeed in life’s challenges.
At 17, I ran away from home to join the Royal Australian Navy. Not a lot of art was contemplated as I was on a great adventure, but the experiences of life on the sea, the bustling ports around the world, ships, and boats left an indelible imprint on me.
Out of the Service at 23 married and a family with 2 lovely daughters, my desire to draw and paint rekindled with my children excited to draw and paint figures, cartoons, animals, games and hang them in their rooms.
Painting now with renewed vigour, I longed for the time when I could explore painting and gain an art education. After a very successful career of 32 years with a large multinational, I was able to retire early to pursue my art passion. It is with gratitude to Ron Reynolds, renowned Warrandyte artist, who gave me not only the drawing and painting craft, but also the appreciation of art history.
This deeper understanding of art has widened my horizons. I have subsequently explored many galleries and exhibitions in Australia and Overseas to research diverse painting styles in many and varied places including Lithuania, Cuba, Uruguay, USA, South America, Spain, France, UK, Germany. Art is now an integral part of my world and I am enjoying the journey.
Method: paint mainly in oils
Influences: Jonas Svazas, Nicolas de Staël, Fred Williams, The Fauvists, California Colourists, German Expressionists
Subjects: Boats, ships, combat, Landscapes, streetscapes, seascapes, travelscapes, Bike riders, portraits