“Success born from misfortune”
BORN IN HOLLAND in 1947, Tewantin based artist Nick Van Vulpen settled in Australia in 1982 having fallen in love with the climate, topography and open spaces on an earlier visit.
Six months later on his way to work as a chef at the Mayfair Crest Hotel in Brisbane, a jack-knifing trailer slammed into his motorbike.
“I bounced over the road and noticed my foot was missing.” Nick recalled. “I begged passers-by to find my foot so that I could have it reattached later in hospital.
Unfortunately this did not happen. In fact, the doctors were forced to remove more of my leg to prevent complications.”
Nick recovered quickly and returned to his job where he stayed for four more years until he was forced to find an occupation which did not require standing most of the day.
Meeting Michael Challen, an award winning artist from Western Australia who now lives on the Sunshine Coast, changed Nick’s life. “As soon as I saw Michael’s paintings, I was blown away,” Nick said. “I just knew I wanted to paint like that”.
Michael became Nick’s mentor and under his excellent guidance, Nick learnt the difficult art of painting shadows and reflections.
In 1989, Nick became a full time artist. “His paintings of cottage gardens have a hypnotic effect on viewers. They feel they have stepped inside the painting and have become immersed in the serenity and perfection of each painting. “It is not unusual to hear people say they can actually smell the flowers,” said gallery manager, Lisa Powell.
Open daily from 10 to 5, the gallery is located at 138 Main Street Montville, opposite the Village Green. As from May 1st, Nick’s paintings will be featured under “Exhibitions” on the gallery’s website www.montvilleartgallery.com.au
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