Whitsunday Marine Art Show attracts world renowned judge

5:15 AM Mon 27 Apr 2009 GMT

'Ian's own yacht, a 45' timber cutter shown here running before a force-9 gale off the Queensland coast. (Private Collection)'

The Whitsunday Marine Art Show, which has been attracting a growing following throughout Queensland over the past six years, has captured the interest of world-class marine artist Ian Hansen.

Ian is the vice president of The Australian Society of Marine Artists and is a fellow of the Royal Art Society in NSW.

His works hang in auspicious buildings such as Government House, Qantas House, the Sydney Stock Exchange, the National Maritime Museum and in many private collections around the world.

He also exhibits at the Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut, the USA's foremost gallery specialising in contemporary marine art.

In January 2002, Ian was appointed one of Mystic Museum's 'premier artists' - an appointment only given to twenty artists worldwide.

'It is a real gauge of the growing importance of the Whitsunday Marine Arts Show that we have been able to attract a judge of this caliber,' said Tony Fossey, Whitsunday Marine Art Show's chief steward.

Having lived near Mt Julian as a young artist, Ian shares a deep connection with the Whitsundays and still knows several local artists like Adriaan and Denise Vandelugt.

Artist and Whitsunday Marine Arts Show judge, Ian Hansen -

'I am excited to be coming back to the region and look forward to seeing the work of other artists who have also been profoundly affected by the sea, particularly in this area,' he said.

Although born in South Australia in 1948, Ian's childhood years were spent on the shores of Hervey Bay where his deep love of the sea and ships began.

Twelve years in the navy further fuelled his passion for the ocean and depicting often dramatic maritime scenes.

Ian still enjoys taking to sea on his yacht Karalee, competing in many ocean races each year, 'Sailing has always been an important part of my life and I draw inspiration and my understanding of the sea from these trips.'

Supremely modest, Ian's response to being invited to judge this year's Whitsunday Marine Art Show?

'I get a buzz that people think I'm worthy to judge their art - it's a real accolade that makes you feel like you must have contributed somewhere in the art world,' said the accomplished and internationally awarded artist.

For more information about entering or sponsoring the Whitsunday Marine Art Show, please visit www.whitsundayboatshow.comand follow the links