It was around 1947 when he went to Sydney to see William Dobell’s portrait of Margaret Olley win the Archibald Prize, and his landscape of “Storm approaching Wangi” win the Wynn Prize, that reinforced his desire.
In the 1950’s when advertising through television became more popular, and it became difficult to make a reasonable living through window dressing; Hugh, with the support of his family, turned to horticulture as a means of making a living and fulfilling his artistic talent. The designing of gardens and their landscaping satisfied his creative ability to a degree.
Hugh gives credit to the generous advice from other artists he has met and through his membership in the Newcastle Society of Artists and the Newcastle Art Society through which he is able to exhibit his work on a regular basis.
Upon retirement Hugh was able to spend more time sketching and recording the many inspirational landscapes both in Australia and overseas. At the onset on Parkinson’s Disease in 2004, physical activity became no longer possible. He noticed that his ability to draw and paint had not diminished and found that the time spent painting lessened the awareness of some of the side effects of Parkinson’s Disease.
Support from family and friends led to an increased volume of work which led to the desire to show his work in exhibitions.
All artwork is framed, and you will be advised of shipping costs upon contact with Hugh.
EMAIL: roseansell@idl.net.au
View a gallery of Hugh’s work >>>