ACCORDING to multi–award winning Myrtleford artist Jim Van Geet, 'portrait painting is the most interesting, difficult and challenging of the art genres'.

"Painting someone's portrait involves a close collaboration between the artist and the sitter and how the artist goes about expressing that person's story through paint," Jim explained.

"Although a large part of my art practice (now) is painting portraits and figurative works, I have also painted other subject matter.

"For example, when I lived in the city I mostly painted landscapes and wildlife but when I moved to the country my art concentrated more on people.

"It was a subconscious thing but my artist friends all commented on the transition."

Jim was born in Amsterdam and his family migrated to Melbourne when he was 10 years old, with art seemingly always in his veins.

"I won a local art prize at the age of 12, but I can't think of a time that I wasn't interested in art," Jim said.

"Winning that prize was a total surprise, but it spurred me on and further nurtured my love of art."

Following his schooling, Jim wanted to pursue an Arts degree, but was persuaded to do an Applied Science degree instead.

"Everyone said 'you can't make a living from art' and they are somewhat correct as it is difficult, but I never lost my passion for it."

"I painted all through my working life whenever the constraints of work and family life permitted, which meant painting mostly at night."

Jim was employed as a Technical Advisor for a firm of patent attorneys before switching to the building industry, where he became a Senior Estimator.

He then started a labour hire company and created a specialised business designing and manufacturing furniture.

Alongside his 'day jobs' Jim completed a Fine Arts degree part time but at the end of it, he realised he hadn't acquired the skills to do the work he wanted.

"In the pursuit of excellence, I went to private art schools and undertook further tuition from artists such as John Borrack, Sir William Dargie, Ron Crawford and The Melbourne Realist Art School."

When he decided to make a 'tree–change' to the North East in 1995 to escape the hectic business lifestyle in Melbourne, Jim's love of art and the techniques he had learnt started to play a much bigger part in his life.

"When I first moved to the North East, I was told 'speak slower, laugh a lot, stop and talk to people and you'll achieve just as much as when you were in the city but without the stress' which is completely true.

"I was living in the King Valley and re–started the trout farm while continuing my design practice remotely, I was also able to dedicate much more time to my art.

"My arts practice involves the use of many different mediums and I think it's important for artists to experiment, discover new mediums and products for them to progress however my personal preference is for oils."

Jim entered the art scene in the King Valley and was principal of the Black Range Art School, inaugurating the King Valley Art Show and Festival in 1996.

"When I relocated to Myrtleford in 2001, I was able to turn art into an almost full time practice, although I was still doing some designing and manufacturing of furniture."

Jim convened the Campfires against Cancer major charity art show in Albury in 2003 and was invited to exhibit in the Florence Biennale in Italy in December 2007 – one of only 12 Australians among 840 international artists from 74 countries.

Jim currently runs the Myrtleford Gallery where he carries out framing works and showcases his own art beside approximately 30 Australian artists.

Jim is an active member of a number of local groups and organisations and has been involved with the Myrtleford Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) for a number of years.

"I am the current president of MCCI and it is a very progressive association – there are a number of projects which we are currently working on.

"I am also proud to say I am on the committee of GROW Myrtleford+ which is a sub–fund of Into our Hands Community Foundation and is a community–run charitable fund to support causes, projects and ideas that will benefit the people of Myrtleford and enhance liveability, sustainability, and community connections in the town.

"I love the natural environment of the North East and the general friendliness within the community of Myrtleford and have been happy to be involved in many different ways to support the community who supports me."

Jim has won awards across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia, regularly entering major portrait exhibitions such as the Archibald, Moran, Percival and Lester Portrait awards and continues to support local art competitions such as the King Valley Art Show.

"It's so important to encourage the younger generations to appreciate art and creativity and I support that whenever I can however I can."

When asked what his best or favourite painting is, Jim said his answer is always the same:

"The next one because if I felt that I'd painted my best I wouldn't continue to paint – the 'Next One' is always the challenge."

To keep up to date with Jim's work online visit www.jimvangeet.com or www.myrtlefordgallery.com, Facebook @Jim Van Geet Art and @Myrtleford Gallery or Instagram @jimvangeet.

Myrtleford Gallery is open 10am to 5pm Wednesday to Sunday, however they are also often open on Mondays and Tuesdays – call to confirm on (03) 5752 1213.