Collection: JOHN DOWNTON O.A.M.

John initially trained and worked in watchmaking, but realised his dream later to become a professional artist. He attended classes at the Royal Art Society of NSW with Kenneth Green, Allan Hanson, Arthur Murch, and had private lessons with George Duncan. John then spent 15 years Plein Air Painting across Australia with mentor and master artist Leonard Long OAM. 

In 1982, John became a Fellow of the Bega Art Society, and in 2000 of the Royal Art Society, and in 2004 of the Australian Society of Marine Artists. In 2016, he was made life member of the Fleet Air Arm Association and in 2017, received membership of the Order of Australia. In 2019 he was awarded life membership of the Shoalhaven Art Society. John finds endless inspiration in the Australian bush and enjoys sharing its beauty in his work.