ABOUT | nigelgrayart

Being creative is very important to me. Opportunities abound for creativity in my work in Christian ministry. When I'm not working, I enjoy creating art with monotype printmaking being the focus of my attention currently.

Thank you for your interest

in my work.

Most of my recent works are one-off monotypes although I have also done limited editions using drypoint, carborundum and collagraph. Monotype printmaking is the closest printmaking process to painting. I love the simplicity of working in black and white as it helps me focus on the all-important play of light and shadow. My eye is often drawn to dramatic tonal contrasts and scenes in which the subject matter is almost silhouetted. My aim is to capture a little something of the beauty of creation - God's wonderful "first sketch!" Enjoy browsing and feel free to contact me.

After months of removals, painting, decorating and construction, I finally settled in my new studio - the double garage of our new home! What a change from a little laundry!

The Open Bite Printmakers admitted me into their ranks in March. Formed in 1992, the group consists of around 30 members and exhibits a diverse range of very high quality works.

A busy year. I started submitting works to local art prizes and was pleased to make it into four finals. My monotype Deep in the Bush was commended in the printmaking catergory of Ewart Prize.

Nigel Gray receiving Ewart Prize 2023 commendation.

The Other Art Fair Sydney was my biggest artistic undertaking yet. It was a lot of work but great fun and experience. I really appreciated being visited by lots of family, friends and church family.

Nigel Gray with daughter Ashlea at The Other Art Fair Sydney 2022

Trying to do life drawings using the monotype process is hard! However, by the end of the year I was able to enter a small number of works in an exhibition at the Willoughby Arts Centre.

'In The Buff' exhibitors - February 2023.

I set up my website and found a wonderful, second-hand etching press advertised on an international Facebook group but selling just around the corner!

Returning to printmaking, I re-discovered the simplicity of monotypes and converted our laundry into a printmaking workshop.

After 13 years practising the art of parenting I decided to give acrylic painting and life drawing a go with mixed results.

Black and white acrylic painting of a garlic.

My work Ambiguity was acquired in an acquisitive exhibition, was commended in the TAFE NSW Art Prize and went on an extensive tour of regional galleries throughout New South Wales.

Photo of prize winning etching, Ambiguity

I started another two-year course at The Gallery School, Meadowbank un the tutelage of New Hanks.

I held my first solo exhibition - no fancy gallery - just the walls around our house. It was great fun catching up with family and friends and trying to explain the etching and aquatint process!

Viewers at the Works on Paper exhibition 2003

I started a two-year printmaking course at Hornsby TAFE under the tutelage of Bruce Latimer and Gary Shinfield.

Nigel Gray by his first exhibition entry

I signed up for an introductory printmaking course at the Willoughby Arts Centre with Meike Cohen shortly after emigrating from Northern Ireland. I was soon hooked!

Nigel Gray's first etching - Somewhere in Italy.

I've always loved watercolours but being colour blind doesn't help! The highlight of this foray was a week's course on the beautiful Achill Island on the west coast of Ireland.

On the road to Keem - Achill Island_edited.jpg

I got back into drawing 13 years after having last done it at school. I really enjoying sketching the lovely old architecture of Spain during the 8 years I lived there.

Art was always my best subject as a schoolboy. I won 25 pounds and a silver trophy in a Northern Ireland schools poster competition. I didn't get to keep the trophy or, as it turns out, my hair!