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David Straney
Profile Growing up in Canberra I always had more than a keen interest in art and design. Like most of us though the day eventually came when I had to get a real job. Unfortunately there just aren’t enough benefactors of art out there anymore. So, my artwork became a part time thing for fun and relaxation. In an attempt to break free of a succession of well paid but none the less trivial clerical jobs I completed a year at the Canberra School of Art, took several figure drawing classes and also gained some skills in Showcard & Ticket Writing and Cartooning. These new skills helped me work part time and the additional income in turn helped in my continued desire to eat regularly and have a roof over my head. I have illustrated a children’s story book, a couple of small medical publications, several newsletters and even knocked up the occasional press advertisement. I also had some regular work producing promotional artwork and signage for a variety of businesses and shopping centres. I was fortunate enough to land a couple of positions as a graphic designer for two government departments. However, I soon found that the income did not match the needs of a growing family and that I could earn more doing a job that was less interesting, less creative, less enjoyable and which required less skill.
I have had some recent success in the sale of my paintings through local art exhibitions as well as a number of private commissions. My subjects of choice usually come from nature, animals and scenery. I am particularly intrigued with fluid forms of sea, sand and clouds. Although, every now and then I try to challenge myself by stepping outside my comfort zone and use a different medium or style and sometimes step right away from reality and produce some comical or cartoon art. Although I primarily like to work with pastels I also enjoy using water colours, charcoal, graphite and ink.
Now, on the other side of 50 I am the home parent and a kept man, until I achieve artistic success and my wife can retire to a lifestyle we are both yet to become accustomed to. Until then I juggle my time between home duties, running a small picture framing business, driving the family nuts with photographing subjects for my art and actually finding time to paint. But, at least I now know what I want to do when I grow up; I want to be an artist!
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