RIP David Clarke 1960-2012

 RIP David Clarke, central coast NSW much loved watercolour artist, teacher and member of the Central Coast Watercolour Society. I am at a loss to have read in the Central Coast Art Society newsletter that David Clarke had suddenly passed away on April 15 from a brain aneurysm.

Here is an excerpt from the newsletter.....

'David was born in Cootamundra in 1960. He enjoyed a 20 year career as a graphic designer/illustrator before the desire to paint full time was realised with a move to the Central Coast with Fiona in 2001. Watercolour was David's first choice of medium, as it is one that presents a real challenge to the artist. As a method of painting that is perhaps never fully mastered, it gives the artist the inspiration and frustration in equal measure and provides endless possibilities for expression.

David's paintings won many awards including the North Sydney Art Prize and the Works on Paper Section of the 2004 Spirit of the Outback exhibition. In addition, there were more than 50 other awards including the 2011 Mortimer art Prize for the Best Seascape, which was on display at the Kincumber School of Arts from 7-15 April 2012. Over the passed two years David illustrated 20 children's books which will be a wonderful memorial to him as an artist, teacher and a warm gentle, kind person. A self portrait of David is hanging in the Somers McDonnell Gallery 102 Mann Street Gosford.'

I was lucky to be taught by David a few years ago when I was looking for something to reignite MY passion for painting with watercolours.  I think it was an 8 week course at the Gosford Gallery and to watch David work at a pace that watercolour makes you, was inspiring......

so much so that I later decided to enter this painting of mine above in the Gosford Art Prize 2011. It's watercolour and gold leaf. I had decided to go along to the opening night and couldn't believe my eyes. 'Fern Fronds' was hanging in the gallery. I spotted David Clarke there and reintroduced myself. He remembered me as the girl with the strange name and the girl who turned up to one of his classes with a broken wrist after a skateboard accident (but let's not go into that ok?). I did the proverbial 'I am not worthy bow' and thanked him SO much for giving me the inspiration to enter this central coast art prize..and to actually be selected as one of the finalists..well, all I could do was to thank David again and again. He laughed and kept saying it was me and not him that got me to be a finalist. He's a humble soul.

I will forever be grateful for having the chance to not only meet David but to be taught by him and I guess the heavens will be a more colourful place from now on.

Thank you David Clarke. RIP