LES GRAHAM 

Les was born in the small country town of Kempsey, NSW and has been a professional artist for some 35 years. He began his career painting landscapes in the Macleay river valley in the late 50's when he was a teenager. He married in 1962 and two years later moved to Sydney with his wife Lorraine and a baby daughter to try to explore the possibilities of a future, which involved painting.

After some early success he met fellow artist Doug Sealy and together they spent several years camping out and painting intensively, mainly in the Turon, Capertee and Macleay river valley. The value of this union is evident in the level of quality both artists achieved.

Les's paintings are now in important collections in Australia and throughout the world. They hang in foreign embassies, board rooms and galleries. In 1979 he donated a large collection of his works to the townspeople of Kempsey which now hang in perpetuity in the Civic Centre. He has won many awards, published two books and written many articles on art and has been made a Fellow of the Australian Institute of History and Arts.

Les says " my philosophy on art is quiet simple, I put aside all the theories, all the debates and strive for two purposes; to paint only that which inspires me and to paint with all my ability. This philosophy has rewarded me with many wonderful memories of painting trips through some of the most beautiful valleys and scenic wonders of our country.

If I succeed in communicating the essence of the subjects that inspire me to paint, and can evoke a good emotional response from people who view them and the absolute pleasure I have in creating them, then I feel a simple but important function of art has been fulfilled. Few people are as fortunate as I, to know their purpose in life, and fewer still can enjoy every moment of it."

Les has the unique ability to capture the light and character of the subjects he chooses with the skill, which comes only from years of study and practice. He paints mainly landscapes but is also well known for his still -life and nude paintings. He also paints in watercolours and pastels and has created several statues. He has had many exhibitions of his drawings and etchings. Les and his works have been included in all 4 editions of Kevin Hill’s “TOP TEN” Australian Artists books.