Malcolm’s subject matter draws on his work in sociology, philosophy and the environment as well as his numerous treks and travels and a close observation of life.

There are a number of themes and styles in this exhibition: from landscapes, abstracts and still life to his Panodramas; using oils, watercolours, inks, charcoal or pencils. He dislikes doing the same thing twice.

In addition to his desire to display and share his art works with others through this retrospective, Malcolm will donate all the proceeds to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to help save children in desperate situations around the world.

Why not contribute to UNICEF and get a great painting in exchange?

About the Artist

Malcolm Drysdale started drawing and painting early, both came easily to him. His Gippsland farm home in the 1940s gave him a great appreciation of nature. He rode a horse to school via Banksia forest and creek.

In Cranbourne Malcolm discovered the wonder of native orchids. He painted delicate watercolour botanicals of local orchids.

At Dandenong Tech School he found a sympathetic art teacher who introduced other ideas and other media. His drawings leaned towards cartoons. A talent he still applies

As a professional sociologist, Malcolm’s understanding of society, politics and the environment moved him to include more narrative works, lately with an emphasis on climate change and social issues in both painting and cartoon.

A highlight for Malcolm was developing a story-telling method he named 'Panodramas'; watercolour paintings, similar to a comic strip with no words and with a single background across separate panels. Each panel represents a different time frame. He employed a Panodrama technique for a children’s book on Phonetics written by Paul Savage.

With many trips abroad walking world famous galleries, seeing great works in-the-flesh and up-close, Malcolm was challenged to wider and deeper paths in art and art history. In 2020 Malcolm published 'The Art of Malcolm Drysdale', a large format book with over 300 images. 

Selling his work has never been a high priority for Malcolm, though there have been successes and commissions. Today he is much more focused on selling works to give profits to charity. This current exhibition is for UNICEF.

Banner Image: Grand Canyon Vertigo, Oil by Malcolm Drysdale