Australian Billabong

Framed size: 405 x 535 mm.

Note that the print has a small tear in the top left corner.

Douglas Pratt (1900-1972) was born in Katoomba, New South Wales. His first job was as jackeroo on a property near Singleton, NSW, probably where he developed his love of the landscape.

Working in Sydney in the 1920s, a colleague, having seen some of his sketches, suggested he should develop his drawing and painting talents. Early sales encouraged him to study at the Royal Art Society's drawing classes and at Sydney Long's Etching School. His artwork covered all mediums - oils, watercolour, pencil, etchings.

His first exhibition was held at the Macquarie Galleries, in Sydney in 1928. Exhibitions of his etchings and pencil drawings throughout Australia followed. Sydney, Melbourne and Perth have his works hung in their art galleries.

In 1953, he was appointed to the Commwealth Art Advisory Board, Canberra and served as a member until his death in 1972; he was awarded an OBE for this work. He also served as Vice-President of the Royal Art Society of NSW, of which he was a member for more than 20 years.