Chris Spiker

Chris is a self-taught artist who works in watercolour, with occasional work in pen, ink and pencil.

Chris started out working as a design draftsman for approximately twenty years and developed drawing skills during that time. In recent years he has managed bookshops and worked with local government in town planning and contracts. He has always been a keen bird watcher and photographer, having Co-published two books as well as having many photographs published in numerous other books and magazines.

His interest in painting has always been present but it was not until about 1995 that he began to seriously undertake painting in watercolour. With new enthusiasm, Chris began to paint a variety of subjects and to this day continues to produce a diversity of subjects, his favourites being Australian birds, landscapes and portraits.

The works of early Australian and American watercolour artists such as Winslow Homer, JJ Hilder, Arthur Streeton, Sidney Long, Hans Heysen and the Lindsays have influenced his skills as an artist. His bird painting style has been inspired mainly by the work of the Australian bird artist William Cooper.

Chris’ paintings are becoming known for two particular styles; firstly the fine work which is revealed in the bird paintings; and secondly a much looser and freer style which is clearly seen in his landscapes and portraits.

His works have been enthusiastically sought after and people in America and the United Kingdom, as well as in Western Australia, now own a significant number of his paintings, particularly his bird paintings.

EXHIBITIONS:
1999 – Mazenod Perth
1999 – Royal Perth Show
1999 – Pinjarra

AWARDS:
1997 – High Commendation W.A Water-Colour Society
1999 – High Commendation Harvey Art Prize
1999 – First Prize Pinjarra Art Prize
2000 – High Commendation Harvey Art Prize

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