David Ramsland
Dave Ramsland has been painting since childhood, with a deep passion that was further ignited by artist Bela Ivanyi, whose influence helped him connect with his artistic self. This connection sparked a life-long obsession with painting, filled with excitement, challenges, and the joy of experimenting with how paint unfolds on canvas.
Dave primarily prefers oils but has also worked with acrylics, watercolours, pen and ink, and mixed media, among other mediums. His subject matter often centres around traditional seascapes and landscapes, which he finds plentiful in the natural beauty of the South Coast of NSW, where he has lived since 1986.
Over the years, Dave has refined his techniques and embraced the freedom of being largely self-taught, while also networking with other local artists.
While his work often leans toward the traditional, especially when capturing the surrounding landscapes, Dave has also created many abstract pieces that allow him to explore new creative avenues. His love for plein air painting is evident in how he captures the essence of the world around him, but he also relishes the process of evolution within each piece. The exhilaration of getting a work "just right" is something that drives his artistic practice.
In 2017, Dave and his family built a dedicated studio and gallery on their property on Burri Road at Malua Bay. Set amidst their beautiful gardens, the studio has become a sanctuary where he can create, store, and display his works, as well as a space to welcome fellow artists and share his craft.
Dave has long been a well-respected friend of the Bas, having held a solo exhibition at the Mechanics Institute, been part of the 'A Homage to Home and Place' group exhibition and in 2022, was selected as a Basil Sellers Art Prize finalist.