David John

David John was born in Liverpool and trained as an artist at the Liverpool College of Art. Leaving England in 1969 he has lived in Johannesburg and Durban in South Africa, Montreal Canada, Ireland, the Canary Islands and Adelaide Australia. He settled in New Zealand in 1979 with his wife and two boys, Sam and Joe. His wife Dee Hingston returned to England to become an established artist in her own right.

David now works from his home studio and gallery in Arrowtown with partner Lyndal and daughter Fineen. 

His reputation became firmly established in New Zealand, not only as an award winning portrait artist and writer but also as a playwright and actor. He has written and directed three plays and a musical for community theatre and has gained stage experience with drama groups and theatre-sport.

 Arrowtown is a rich source of inspiration for David John’s art, having provided material to illustrate four books about the gold mining town’s history as well as inspiration for his paintings, poetry and the stage musical ‘RUSH!’. Over 40,000 people have now seen this smash hit show in New Zealand and UK theatres.

Recent Awards

Winner - 2015 Arrowtown Autumn Festival 

Winner - 2014 Arrowtown Autumn Festival 

Runner up - 2013 Aspiring Art Prize Wanaka.

Winner - 2011 Macalister Award - Invercargill.

People's Choice - 2011 Arrowtown Autumn Festival 

Merit Award - 2011 Arrowtown Autumn Festival

Finalist - Adam Award 2010 - National Portrait Gallery Wellington.