Darrell Thornton Hick (Thornton) grew up in the bush, by the beach in Scarborough, WA and loved fossicking for flotsam in windy weather. From a young age he collected 'useful things' and was always inspired to create. He also loved sailing, travelling with family in his Land Rover, camping in the bush and absorbing himself in nature.

 

Thornton studied Art and Design at Perth Tech and East Sydney Tech.  In the mid 1960’s he travelled to the UK, studying at the Chelsea School of Art in London.

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Thornton was a designer/maker, lecturer, sculptor and conservator but always, he painted in his spare time. His mastery of colour and passion for composition, shape and line resulted in a unique interpretation of the world around him. Several expeditions throughout Australia’s varied and vibrant landscapes spurred him to create bold immersive landscapes in ink, watercolour, gouache and pastel.

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