John Hurle

I have enjoyed an interest in painting from a young age. From almost as far back as I can remember, I have been enthralled by the works of the Australian Impressionists and Tonalists, even before I knew what those terms meant.

I painted on and off for many years, taking inspiration from these influences but fumbling along trying to define my personal style. The turning point was the encouragement and instruction I received from Ray Hewitt and Gregory Smith, along with the exposure to so many other talented artists at the VAS.

I am drawn primarily to the infinitely varied effects of light on the landscape and the sky. From the saturating and relentless glare of a hot summer day to the soft glow of early morning or evening. This is what continues to fascinate and inspire me. The joy of painting on location continues to be an endlessly rewarding adventure.

John Hurle painting at Dights Falls on Sunday 28 February 2021.

John had organised the plein air painting day for VAS artists at Dights Falls.

John Hurle FVAS has been a very active Council Member of the Victorian Artists Society since 2014. He has managed the VAS Permanent Art Collection for the last seven years.

He has also organised the Victorian Artists Society Plein Air Paint Outs for the last six years, planning and conducting the monthly Sunday Paint Outs at points of interest around Melbourne, and the extended four-day weekend Paint Outs in regional Victoria.

John was presented with a Fellowship Award from the Victorian Artists Society in March 2020 in recognition of his outstanding contribution and distinguished service to the Society during his membership years through exhibitions, sponsorship and promotion of the Society.