Ken Done

Ken Done is an acclaimed Australian artist, born in 1940, renowned for his vibrant and colorful paintings that capture the beauty of Sydney's coastal life. A self-taught artist, Ken left school at 14 to join the National Art School in Sydney, marking the beginning of his successful career. After years of study, he gained international recognition as an artistic director and designer in major cities such as New York, London, and Sydney.

In recent years, Ken has focused entirely on painting, creating works that reflect his immediate environment, particularly the picturesque views from his Sydney studio. His paintings often feature the ocean, his garden, and the changing light of the Australian coast, capturing fleeting moments with his quick and energetic style.

In 2024, Ken released a new book titled "Poems from Home," accompanied by an exhibition of original artworks created for the book. This exhibition was showcased at the Australian Museum in Sydney, where Ken and other Australian artists created companion pieces to a selection of children's works celebrating fantastical sharks and rays.

Looking ahead, Ken's exhibition "Poems from Home and Other Paintings" is scheduled at Gallery One in Rockhampton from March 22 to June 22, 2025. This exhibition promises the biggest selection of Ken's work in regional Australia, capturing the sights and sounds of some of his most beloved locales in sumptuous paint

Ken's artistic journey took a significant leap in 1980 when he had his first solo exhibition, though he had already participated in numerous group exhibitions in Australia, Europe, Japan, and the United States. For several years now, he has focused entirely on painting, creating works that reflect his immediate environment, particularly the picturesque views from his Sydney studio. These works often feature the ocean, his garden, and the changing light of the Australian coast, which he captures quickly to embrace its fleeting moments.

Known for his quick and energetic painting style, Ken Done draws inspiration from the natural world around him, often depicting exotic nature scenes, the iconic Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and his beloved dog. His love for marine life is also evident in his paintings of coral reefs, frangipani and nasturtium flowers, sailboats, beaches, and palm trees.

Ken Done's influence extends beyond the art world. In 2022, he was awarded the Australian Fashion Laureate Lifetime Achievement Award for his significant contribution to the growth and development of the Australian fashion industry. His notable projects include painting a BMW car, decorating the Garden Restaurant at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, and contributing works for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

In addition to his artistic achievements, Ken Done served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for over 30 years, further cementing his commitment to philanthropy. His first European exhibition in Paris (1996) was a major success, and his works have since been presented in cities like Los Angeles and London.

For fans of Ken Done, his works reflect a deep connection to Sydney's coastal life, captured through his distinctive style that embodies the ever-changing light of Australia's east coast.