David Lever

I was born in Paddington, Sydney, and spent my early childhood living  there observing  the very working class environment that existed at that time. The streets were my playground. The corner shops were an important feature of daily life. In my paintings I attempt to present images that capture the colours, the light and the general atmosphere that I witnessed in Sydney during the 1940-1960 period. My sources of imagery have been memories, black and white photos, old painted surfaces on buildings, old signs in antique shops and a love of exploring the past.

Although I am a self taught artist, if it was not for the encouragement of artists Garry Shead and his wife Judit Englert-Shead I probably would not have started painting. After Garry won the Archibald Prize in 1992/93 he was asked to conduct a week long course in portrait painting at Wentworth Falls in The Blue Mountains. Despite the fact that the course was for "experienced artists only" and I had no experience in art, he persuaded me to attend. Surrounded by established artists I jumped into the deep end and experienced a most challenging week! I have now been painting since January 1995.

I was also given a great deal of encouragement to paint by artists Sali Hermann and Pro Hart to whom I am most grateful. The support and hard work of The Eva Breuer Gallery and Eddi Jennings of Kenthurst Gallery also helped along the difficult path of painting pictures.

In particular, Rhonda Davis (Curator of the Macquarie University Art Gallery) and her artist husband Mark Davis have been a constant source of inspiration and support.

 Short bibliography

1943    Born in Paddington, Sydney

1968    Started collecting art

1995    Attended portraiture class (Garry Shead)

1995    Commenced painting, deciding to not seek training

2000    Mary Place Gallery , Sydney - Group show

2000    Blue Poles Gallery, Byabarra - Father and daughter show

2001    Macquarie University, Sydney - Solo show

2001    Glenmore Gallery, Sydney - Solo show

2002    Strathfield Eco Art Prize (Finalist)

2002    ASX-Reuters Charity Foundation Auction

2002    Palaeographia - Macquarie University, Sydney

2003    ASX-Reuters Charity Foundation Auction

2003    National Art School, Sydney - Group show

2003    Broken Hill Regional Gallery

2004    Kenthurst Gallery

2004    ASX-Reuters Charity Foundation Auction

2008    Macquarie University, Sydney - Solo show

2008    Eva Breuer Art Gallery, Sydney

2013/14  Macquarie University, Sydney - History in Colour: David Lever

Collections

Macquarie University, Sydney

Macquarie Hospital, Sydney

Vice Chancellor Macquarie University, Sydney

Australian Stock Exchange, Sydney

Private collections