BIOGRAPHY

Ross Coady began painting in 1963 while he was an architecture student at Sydney University.  His first teacher was Molly Johnston, who had been a pupil of Max Meldrum.  In 1964 he was introduced by a friend to the John Ogburn Studio at Circular Quay.  He continued at the Studio until 2009 and says that through the years John Ogburn’s teaching was a sustaining influence in his creative life.  Involvement with the Harrington Street Gallery, and fellow artists there, has also been a great support and encouragement.
 
After graduation he practised architecture for a short time but then ventured into teaching, firstly to Architecture students at UTS and then to Visual Arts students at Shore School, where he became Head of Visual Arts.
 
From 1970 to 1973 he exhibited at Watters Gallery and The Arts Council Gallery.  Since then he has exhibited annually at the Harrington Street Gallery, in group shows, Autumn Shows and ‘theme’ shows.
 
Over the years he has travelled widely, but in the past fifteen years his love of painting and architecture has drawn him, for more extended periods, to his favourite cities, Madrid and Paris.
 
My approach to painting varies.  Sometimes I start with content I want to express and sometimes I just start painting to see where it leads me.  But in both approaches I am trying to leave myself open to catching a glimpse of the face or personality of the painting; then to assist that emerging personality in reaching its maturity.