The Life of John Wilson 

11 December 1945 - 29 March 2025

John Wilson was widely regarded as one of Australia's leading oil painters and was a well sought-after tutor and judge. Born and raised in the beautiful Blue Mountains, New South Wales, he developed a profound connection to the rugged grandeur, spectacular colours, and shifting moods of the Australian landscape; an inspiration that remained central to his work throughout his life.

A multi-award-winning artist, John’s elegant paintings captured the elusive qualities unique to the Australian environment. His works, considered highly collectable, are represented in private, corporate, and public collections throughout Australia and internationally.

John was a Fellow of The Royal Art Society of New South Wales and served as the patron of the Society of Mountain Artists, reflecting his lifelong dedication to the arts community.

John’s artistic journey began somewhat later in life. While he had always been fascinated by painting, it was not until his mid-twenties, after working professionally as a musician, that he fully committed to pursuing his passion for art. What began as a hobby quickly evolved into a full-time calling, ultimately leading to a distinguished career spanning several decades.

John's professional career, which began with his first solo exhibition in 1979, included over 50 solo exhibitions and many more group exhibitions alongside fellow artists. He has exhibited in London, Japan, the United States, and Canada, with a notable sell-out exhibition in Beijing.

After a 20-year remission from his initial diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, John passed away at home on 29 March 2025 with his wife Cecilia and daughter Tess by his side. 

John’s legacy lives on not only through his remarkable body of work but also through the continued operation of his gallery, lovingly managed by his wife, Cecilia, in his memory.

"I hope that I have been able to convey something of my feeling of our Australian landscape." - John Wilson