Born in Scotland in 1952.

In 1977, after completing his scholarship in France, the Mediterranean drew Douglas back to develop his painting and drawing. He travelled to Italy in a combi van with 100 pounds in his pocket, and armed with paints, brushes and easel, he discovered another world of inspiration. This valuable time also allowed him to learn the language better and meet other artists. On the streets of Bologna, Florence and Venice, and around Tuscany, Douglas attempted his first tentative drawings and watercolours, learning much to do with light, drawing, colour and the new experience of painting from life, old cities and the landscape. It was an invaluable experience and helped form a solid foundation for his painting career, and the confidence to live from painting. The sense of adventure led him to Australia in 1982, where he continued to paint to fund his travels and discover a new country. It was a different challenge to interpret the vastness of the landscape, its light and colours all of which contrast with those of Europe. After starting married life in Fremantle in 1984 where his two daughters were born, he moved to the Yallingup area in 1991 and established a home and studio where he continues to work full time at his painting and the challenges of interpreting this country’s contrasting landscape. Since 1985 Douglas has travelled many times to the north to paint including the Pilbara, Kimberley, Murchison as well as the Northern Territory.

“The North will always have a fascination and be an endless source of inspiration. The timeless, vast and spiritual nature of its land has a power which has not been felt anywhere else.”