ARTIST BIO

Lars Vester is a Danish born artist, working predominantly in the medium of oil painting.

Lars’ artistic career took off from a very early age. He started painting in oils from the age of 10, and at the age of 12 he won his first major art prize – A European competition for youth, titled ‘Man and Space – Past, Present and Future’, arranged by European Space Agency (ESA), in conjunction with NASA in the United States. His winning piece took home the main prize, a trip to The USA and a visit to Cape Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.

Lars had his first solo exhibition in his hometown Grenaa in Denmark at the age of 16, and upon graduating from the Aarhus Art Academy in Denmark, he completed his studies via an apprenticeship of Art Direction, Graphic Design and illustration at The Masters Group in Aarhus.

Soon after he followed his dreams and migrated to Australia in 1991, where he joined the advertising industry as an Art Director and later Creative Director.  He continued his painting part time for many years, before giving up his day job to become a full time artist.

Lars is now dedicating all of his time to his art. His unique approach to painting urban landscape and still life transforms ordinary subjects into magical interpretations. With a blend of light and texture, he captures those special moments in time that are often overlooked.

While at first glance, Lars’ artistic style appears to fit into the category of realism, his work incorporates a fine

balance between the real and the abstract, creating atmospheric impressions of illumination and depth around his subjects.

Lars has had a number of exhibitions in both Europe and Australia, including various solo and group exhibitions. His work is represented in private and corporate collections both here and overseas,  His most recent achievements include a ‘Highly Commended’ at the Lethbridge 10000 Art Award, and a finalist in the Clayton Utz Art Award.

Artist Statement

As an artist, I’m fascinated by the way nature can bring ordinary subjects to life by light and weather– as if it’s trying to tell us a story. In a sense, I see my role to be more of a storyteller, speaking on behalf of nature, than merely a painter.

Through my work, I try to capture those ‘You just had to be there’ moments that Mother Nature sometimes create, and aim to connect viewers to the everyday subjects around us that we often overlook.

I am forever chasing that magical light that so rarely presents itself, and when it does, usually only last for a very short period. When I eventually find it, it forms the basis for a new piece of work.

I prefer to work in a relatively loose style, painting what I feel rather than what I see. I seek to create a harmonious marriage between illusion and reality, by infusing my work with a sense of mystery and intrigue, creating atmosphere and depth through the use of light and dramatic textures.

My latest series of work explores the character, light and texture found in and around the area of New Farm.