After spending most of his early life on the Central Coast of New South Wales Michael Rees moved with his wife and daughter to the Blue Mountains then to the Mid- north Coast where they now reside at Lake Cathie. His day to day exposure to the matchless beauty of those localities has Inspired much of his art, be it in drawings, paintings or his current exploitation of the digital medium
Michael Rees studied Fine Art at Hornsby TAFE, where his talents were fostered under the watchful eyes of Margaret Woodward and Valerie Olsen (drawing) and Clem Millwood and Bela Ivanyi (painting). Michael majored in painting and was awarded first place in drawing in his final year. He then studied graphic design at Randwick TAFE
Illustrations by Rees have been published in and on the covers of national magazines and newspapers and in promotional material. Publications such as Gourmet Wine Traveller, Internet AU, PC User and Desktop magazine have utilized his skill. Rees was featured in Desktop magazine as an emerging Australian illustrator
Rees has participated in a joint exhibition at the Laycock Street Theatre, Gosford and in a three man exhibition at the John Paynter Gallery, Newcastle, as well as contributing to collective shows and commissions Australia wide. His latest works employing the digital medium were widely acclaimed after display at the Blue Poles Contemporary Gallery, Bybarra, in 2004. At the recent Artfest on the NSW North Coast he was the most successful artist.
Digital paintings by Michael Rees (Central Coast series) are currently on exhibition at M Gallery, Avoca Beach, and galleries in other areas have expressed interest. In response to numerous requests he is at present extending his series of digital paintings of the Hastings and the surrounding area.
Rees’ work is produced initially on site as sketches and studies, then, using adigital pen and drawing tablet, drawn directly onto the computer in highresolution. The finished work is printed on archival watercolour paper using Gi Clee process (Archival pigment inks in the finest detail and colour).
Rees ability to capture his unique perception of our scenic heritage by Adapting modern digital technology to accommodate his painting and illustrative skills Rees has quickly gained attention in art circles and has received wide acclaim from the general public.
