Darren Meader / Artist
Darren’s early art began in the late 1980’s in oil painting, learning through night classes and studying the works of contemporary and nineteenth century master painters. These efforts gave way to the study of geology and he subsequently found work in that field in remote areas of Western Australia and Queensland. In that time (1996 – 2010) capturing expressions of dynamic light in outback landscapes through photography became a passion. Not relinquishing art, Darren was determined to become proficient in watercolour from 2001 to 2010 learning from many Australian master watercolourists.
After decades of work and extended personal travels across remote Australia he married and settled with a young family in Launceston, Tasmania, in 2010. “It was like coming home to a new beginning in art in a new land to explore. Geology had to go, as for field geologists the job has a tendency to rip you from one place to another across the continent”. He recommenced oils with an impressionist flair learned from watercolour and fell into the Tasmanian landscape through plein air painting, studio work at the Tin Shed Artisans Studios (Invermay) and photography on bushwalks to wild, remote locations.
“I love all landscapes that Tasmania has to offer, from the city streets to stunning coastline; rolling farmland with mountain backdrops, deep forests, wild rivers, lakes and mountain splendour.”
Darren is drawn to the sublime, the atmospheric and a strong play of light across the land. He also has a keen affinity for representing the same qualities in the urban environment. Launceston city’s beautiful buildings were key subjects in his solo “Landmarks” exhibition in 2015 (Stillwater Gallery) and later at Rosevears Gallery 2015-2020.
In landscape Darren has had two highly successful solo exhibitions at the Poatina Tree Gallery, 2021 and 2022. Most recently in 2025, representing the wild grandeur of Launceston’s Cataract Gorge, his “Wild Cataract” Exhibition was held at the Madeline Gordon Gallery in Launceston.
“I am so very delighted to continue showcasing Tasmanian subjects at the
Arrthouse Gallery, Evandale”