John Lacey

John is a self-taught artist, who began painting as a hobby around 1980 whilst working as a Motor Body Design Draftsman. He then went on (after more study) to work for himself as a Graphic Designer until 2004. During this twenty year period he continued to paint and gained a reputation and a following, which afforded him the pleasure of being able to become a professional artist in 2004. John has an absolute passion for painting and has spent countless hours at the easel, not to mention ten years of life drawing to hone his skills. His work is about self-expression of the landscape and the occasional portrait.

In 2009 John & his wife Lydia, decided to move to Mt Compass where they designed and built a new home, studio and gallery from were John works, teaches and sells his work. Along with this they have developed a beautiful garden, which adds to the experience of visiting.

As a professional artist painting in oil, John has won numerous art prizes, including the coveted Corporate Prize at the Victor Harbor Rotary Exhibition 2007.

John’s enthusiasm for capturing his interpretation of the landscape is evident in his paintings. He paints ‘what he sees and feels. Specific locations such as Bashams Beach, Crow Nest Road and Horseshoe Bay each present their own emotional responses that John transfers to oil on canvas. His unique approach adds layers of complexity to his paintings.

Achievement and Awards

Over the last 20 years, John Lacey has consistently received major awards in significant art exhibitions and in recent years, these include, Goolwa Art Prize - Second Prize 2018, Rotary Club of Victor Harbor - Platinum Award (Second) 2018, Goolwa Art Prize - First Prize 2017 (acquisitive), Rotary Club of Victor Harbor - Platinum Award (Second) 2017, St Peters Cathedral Art Exhibition - Best Abstract Expression 2015, Flagstaff Hill Rotary Art Exhibition - First Prize 2015, St Peters Cathedral Art Exhibition - First Prize 2013, Goolwa Art Prize - First Prize 2013 (acquisitive) and St Peters Cathedral Art Exhibition - Best Interpretation of Light 2012

John has also been a finalist in the following major art prizes:

Fleurieu Biennale Landscape Art Prize in 2018, 2004, 1998

Tatiara Art Prize in 2015Adelaide Parklands Art Prize in 2014, 2016Heysen Prize in 2014, 2012, 2010 Waterhouse Natural History Art Prize in 2008