Lee’s Story

Hi, I’m Lee!

I like to think of myself as a “re-emerging artist” after all these years because for the last eight, I’ve been retired from the Gallery scene.

My paintings have been described as “riotous” and a “cacophony of colour.” I like to think of myself as a intuitive colorist.

I mainly use oils, but have been known to use anything on hand. I’ve done a lot of collage work, cutting up mono prints and old photographs, and won a number of prizes for those works. 

At times I can wander off track and paint other things…nothing is safe! Water tanks. Garden totems. Water tank tops. Footpaths. ‘Rugs’ painted on floors. Furniture reclaimed from the tip. Yarn bombings. Stencils. Even a Mini Moke.

All currently available paintings are here in the Studio Gallery. A few are on loan to galleries (as noted). You can contact and follow me personally on Facebook @Lee Pennington Creative Artist. CV is available.

I’ve been in the Gold Coast since the early 80s. With help from friends, I established myself as a professional artist when I opened my Nerang Gallery of Fine Art. The Nerang Gallery regularly hosted get togethers for the art community and it quickly became a hub for artists, musicians, and local  journalists from the Gold Coast Bulletin.

The 80s and 90s were pretty busy. There was a lot going on around Art competitions—shows, exhibitions, parties—even a trip on the TSS Fairstar as a guest artist and a commission to paint a mural. 

There were many Outback trips through the years. Kakadu, NT. Port Douglas, Far North QLD. Lightning Ridge, NSW. I have a deep love of the Outback and I took lots of photographs. A lot of my work comes from my trips and my photographs. 

I’ve also been keen gardener all my life, the love of which also shows up in my work. Along the way, I’ve made many moves. Each always brought a new challenge and I’m always looking for the next one!