David
I have always had a impulse to draw. At age 21 a friend gave me a set of paints and from that moment I began the long pursuit of learning and practicing. I took classes with lots of different artists during my 20’s as well as attending university and TAFE college. However I really owe a deep gratitude to David B Wilson for his teachings and mentor-ship. David Wilson taught life drawing and tonal painting. He was a very thoughtful man and had a rare ability to inspire his students to develop a thirst for knowledge. Often, during a class, he would hand me an old book like ‘The Tempest’ by Shakespeare or a CD of say, Beethoven’s ‘Moonlight sonata’. With a sparkle in his eye. Then the next time I’d see him he would ask what I though about it. And then he’d just listen. He was igniting a spark within me that grew into a passion for all art forms and , for me in particular, where Painting as a discipline sat within this spectrum. Its importance as a form of expressing humanity. I learned that an artists role in society was equally as important as his technique or skill. This role is summed up the the poem by Pablo Neruda, ‘Poets Obligation’ . Wilson’s approach to teaching was amazing. His vision for each student was entirely unique and I learned a lot about patience by watching him with people. Some of his students became writers, teachers, and artists in different fields such as botanical illustration. He was a great teacher and I was lucky to find him when I did. His influence is instrumental in the way that I go about my work even today.
To be continued…
A Quick Biography
Early Beginnings and Artistic Training
My artistic journey began at the age of 21 when a friend gave me a set of paints, igniting a passion for visual expression. Prior to that, I had completed a drawing course at Orange TAFE, which laid the foundation for my skills in observation and line work. Eager to explore painting, I enrolled in a one-year course at Charles Sturt University but soon realised that I needed a more focused direction. I left university to pursue a certificate in visual arts, where I met David Bryan Wilson, a Julian Ashton School teacher who became a pivotal mentor in my development.
Under David’s guidance, I spent four years studying life drawing and tonal painting, honing my understanding of light, form, and structure. His influence, rooted in the traditions of form and tonalism, has remained with me throughout my career, shaping how I see and interpret the world through painting.
Exploration and Settling in Canowindra
After my formal studies, I traveled extensively, painting en plein air in various locations, which strengthened my connection to landscape painting. These travels culminated in my decision to settle in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, where I built a home in a permaculture hamlet community. During this time, I participated in numerous group exhibitions, expanding my network and gaining exposure within the broader art community.
In 2000, I moved to Canowindra, NSW, where I opened my first solo gallery and founded the Canowindra Art Network. This venture not only allowed me to display my own work but also created a space for local artists to showcase theirs. It was a significant step in fostering a vibrant arts community in the region.
The Riverbank Gallery and David Isbester Gallery
In 2004, I launched the Riverbank Gallery, a larger space dedicated to showcasing regional talent. Over the next ten years, the gallery became a cornerstone of the local arts scene, hosting 20 curated exhibitions annually and offering art classes to nurture creativity in the community. During this period, I held a solo exhibition of my own work every year, further establishing my reputation as a dedicated artist and curator.
In 2014, I transitioned to the Union Bank Building in Canowindra, where I created the David Isbester Gallery, a space devoted primarily to exhibiting my work. The gallery continues to host regular exhibitions, allowing me to share new projects with the public while maintaining a close connection to the local community.
Recent Achievements
In 2024, I was honored to be selected as a finalist in the prestigious Calleen Art Awards, recognising the evolution of my artistic practice. Additionally, I received a Highly Commended award from the Victorian Artists Society in their 9×5 2024 exhibition, further affirming my place within the Australian art community. Earlier in the year, I presented a solo exhibition at Rosnay Organic Wines ‘The Right Angle’, where I showcased my 2023 series of plein air landscapes.
Artistic Style and Philosophy
My painting style is best described as impressionistic, with a focus on capturing the transient effects of light. I approach each canvas with broad brush strokes and minimal detail, allowing the play of light and shadow to guide the composition. While my work may appear loose and spontaneous, I rely on strong drawing skills and a keen sense of tonal values to anchor my paintings, ensuring they retain structure and coherence.
I am heavily influenced by the early Australian impressionists, whose sensitivity to light and atmosphere resonates with my own practice. Max Meldrum’s tonal school, in particular, has had a lasting impact on my approach to painting, teaching me to prioritise tonal harmony over detail. Where Meldrum’s method focuses on tone my work also investigates the temperature of a tone making my work vibrant in colour. I also draw inspiration from plein air painters like Ethel Carrick Fox and the painting sketches of Thomas Eakins, who capture the essence of a moment with remarkable clarity and brevity.
Philosophy as an Artist
My philosophy as an artist is deeply influenced by Pablo Neruda’s poem ‘The Poet’s Obligation’. I view my work as a means to remind people of their innate freedom, offering a momentary escape from the pressures of daily life. Through my paintings, I seek to evoke a sense of liberation, inviting viewers to reconnect with memories, the natural world and the simplicity of the present moment.
Plein air painting remains central to my practice, allowing me to engage directly with the landscape and capture the fleeting beauty of the environment. Each painting becomes a reflection of my personal experience with nature, filtered through my impressionistic lens.