By Roy Weavers

Internationally reputed Far North Queensland artist Des Spencer is expanding his art collections south to Noosa and Mooloolaba, with his prolific underwater fish paintings being exhibited in David Hart Galleries.

Des Spencer rose to acclaim in the 1990s when he opened his first gallery, which was quickly followed by international recognition as one of his paintings appeared on Telstra Phone Cards. Since that time, he has been working out of his gallery in Far North Queensland’s cultural mecca of Port Douglas, and has exhibited in the United States, UK and throughout Australia.

Des is excited about the expansion into southern Queensland.  “Over the years, a lot of my collections have been purchased by art-lovers in the Sunshine Coast area who travelled to North Queensland,” Des explains. “Having my collections at David Hart Galleries is an opportunity to showcase my work in that area.”

David Hart Galleries are renowned for their impressive showcase of highly sought after Australian Investment Artists, and are also the exclusive Queensland agent for Pro Hart.

Des Spencer is well known for a variety of tropical and Australian-themed styles of paintings, but it is his vibrant underwater / fish creations that will be showcased exclusively at David Hart Galleries. He says he hopes by merging those artworks further south in Queensland, he will be spreading the message of his artwork further afield.

The message itself has a conservation slant. “The fish symbolise the environment and the reef, and I want people to remember that environment and help protect it,” Des says. “The message is about making people aware that we need to protect those environments, and look after the ocean. And the Sunshine Coast fits into that coastal area perfectly.”

Des Spencer’s artwork will be available in the David Hart Galleries from March 1.

If you have been to the Sheraton Mirage lately you would have seen Des's work on display in the foyer.  His gallery is located at Sheraton Mirage, Davidson Street, Port Douglas.