A professional artist since 2004, John Lacey works primarily in oil, creating expressive and contemporary interpretations of the Australian landscape. His practice has gradually shifted from impressionistic to more abstract explorations, evoking a strong sense of place while allowing space for viewer interpretation.
Born in South Australia in 1947, John initially worked as a draftsman and later as a graphic designer before devoting himself fully to painting. Beginning with watercolour and acrylic, he moved to oil in 2004, a transition that opened new directions in his practice and earned him recognition across Australia. He has since exhibited extensively, holding over 30 solo shows and participating in numerous group exhibitions throughout SA, WA, and NSW. His works are held in private collections nationally and internationally.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
2024 - Horizons Unveiled, Gallows Gallery, WA
2024 - Landscape + Expression, Art2Muse Gallery, NSW
2024 - Both Sides Now, The Strand Gallery, Port Elliot
2022 - Fluidity of Form, Gallows Gallery, WA
2022 - Rolling Exhibitions, Pike & Joyce Wines, Adelaide Hills
2020–21 - Transition of Form, Art2Muse Gallery, NSW
1990s–Present - Earlier solo shows at Stafford Studios (WA), Seaview Gallery (VIC), Art Images Gallery (SA), Yallingup Galleries (WA), Boyd Gallery (NSW), and others
SELECTED AWARDS
2014 - Finalist, Heysen Prize
2012 - Finalist, Heysen Prize
2012 - St Peters Cathedral Art Exhibition – Best Interpretation of Light
2012 - Alexandrina Art Prize – First Prize (Acquisitive)
2010 - Finalist, Heysen Prize
2008 - Finalist, Waterhouse Natural History Art Prize
2007 - Victor Harbor Rotary Exhibition – Corporate Prize (First Prize)
2004 - Finalist, Fleurieu Biennale Landscape Art Prize
1998 - Finalist, Fleurieu Biennale Landscape Art Prize
1997–2015 - Numerous regional art prizes across SA, VIC, WA