Autobiography by Dave Dye
I was born in Narrandera, New South Wales. From an early age I developed a love for the bush and art.
Both parents were from farming families, so a strong rural attachment developed in me.
I also grew up with an unacknowledged long heritage (back as far as the Crimean War on my mothers side) of military service, which may have unwittingly had an influence on me as a youngster.
I've been lucky in my life to work in the three fields of endeavour which have interested me the most - farm work, military service and art.
This site is about my art so I will focus on that.
Artistic influences
My first influences would have come from my brothers and sisters. On rainy days we'd sit around the kitchen table copying drawings from our favourite comics, and Dad's old Boy's Own Adventure books. They could all draw much better than I, so I think they helped me to learn and develop my skills.
Next when I was about 15 y.o. came Norman Lindsay; after I discovered the book "Norman Lindsay's Pen Drawings" in the local library. I copied his work and used all the ink in a black biro pen in one afternoon. Then I was given a dip pen and nibs from Dad's old desk, and began to draw in Indian ink.
Mort Drucker, Jack Davis and a dozen other American artists in MAD Magazine also influenced me at this time.
At the same time I'd begun to paint in oils.
There are too many other artists whose work I admire and am inspired by to mention, so I won't bore you with a long list.
Both parents were from farming families, so a strong rural attachment developed in me.
I also grew up with an unacknowledged long heritage (back as far as the Crimean War on my mothers side) of military service, which may have unwittingly had an influence on me as a youngster.
I've been lucky in my life to work in the three fields of endeavour which have interested me the most - farm work, military service and art.
This site is about my art so I will focus on that.
Artistic influences
My first influences would have come from my brothers and sisters. On rainy days we'd sit around the kitchen table copying drawings from our favourite comics, and Dad's old Boy's Own Adventure books. They could all draw much better than I, so I think they helped me to learn and develop my skills.
Next when I was about 15 y.o. came Norman Lindsay; after I discovered the book "Norman Lindsay's Pen Drawings" in the local library. I copied his work and used all the ink in a black biro pen in one afternoon. Then I was given a dip pen and nibs from Dad's old desk, and began to draw in Indian ink.
Mort Drucker, Jack Davis and a dozen other American artists in MAD Magazine also influenced me at this time.
At the same time I'd begun to paint in oils.
There are too many other artists whose work I admire and am inspired by to mention, so I won't bore you with a long list.
