Background

Known for his interpretations of the Mornington Peninsula, Rick Matear currently lives and works in Melbourne. His loves are painting, his family, gardening, and teaching art. A keen bike rider, Rick rides to and from work and enjoys the peace and private time that this provides. He also takes the time to hand craft his stretchers from recycled wood.

Rick has travelled extensively, enjoying painting trips to Europe in 1982 and 1994. In late 2007, he proudly held a joint exhibition at the Collins Street Gallery with his daughter, Marisa showcasing a selection of paintings done in Venice.

He has a strong interest in maintaining the unique qualities and historical significance of the Abbotsford Convent area, where he has a studio. Over the last year Rick has been painting the surrounding area and will be exhibiting these paintings at the Abbotsford Convent, on October 10th.

Influences and Inspiration

Rick is influenced by artists such as Lin Onus, Picasso and Matisse, artist's who looked to surrounding cultures, to see the world from another point of view.  He views his paintings as both realistic and primitive, forming a cultural bridge.

Qualifications

Graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts in 1981.
Awarded the Sara Levi Scholarship in 1982.