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Biography

 

Paddo (born Steven Patterson 1966) Grew up in Sydney, Australia, into the family-owned Derivan Company, the oldest educational and professional artist acrylic paint manufacturer in Australia. Growing up, he was surrounded by the artistic pursuits of the family business, which sparked his early interest in art. His artistic passion continued throughout his schooling, where he exhibited his work in touring school shows at both the primary and high school levels.

 

After finishing school in 1983, Paddo joined Derivan, where he learned the art of formulating and making paint while studying chemistry at night. The technical side of the medium and the development of new products exposed Paddo to many varied and exciting techniques, many of which he uses in his work today.

 

In 1990, Paddo moved to Canberra for inspiration and a change. There, he supplemented his income by sketching houses for real estate advertising. However, in 1993, he re-joined Derivan and has since travelled worldwide, promoting and demonstrating the company's products, studying the local art, and collecting material for his work while formulating new colours back in the lab.

 

Paddo’s art education includes studying courses at the National Art School, Julian Ashton's Art School, Australian Airbrush School, and Waverley Woollahra Art Centre, where he has also taught and served on the board of directors. He is represented in private and corporate collections worldwide, including in Australia, America, Canada, England, France, Korea, Scotland, and Switzerland.

 

Paddo’s work aims to take the viewer to another place, evoking their emotions to participate and create their storyline or fantasy about what may lie outside the field of view. His artwork often features familiar subjects but in a way that may take time to make the viewer feel at ease. His unique perspective and use of varied techniques reflect his deep commitment to the art of painting and his lifelong journey in the field.

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Education:

  • Diploma in Chemistry (Graduated 1987)

  • Various short courses in printmaking, painting National Art School Sydney, Julian Ashton Art School Sydney (1980’s -1990’s)

  • Certificate in surface coatings technology (post technician) (Graduated 1996)

 

Solo Exhibitions:

1997 Solo exhibition, Gallery AD163, Glebe.

1999 2-Man show, Tap Gallery, Darlinghurst.

1999 2-Nan show Open Space Gallery, Franklin St,

 

Group Exhibitions:

1982 Selected to represent school in the National touring exhibition of N.S.W. schools work.

1997 Group show, Gallery AD163, Glebe.

1997 Postcard group exhibition USA.

1997 Tutors auction Waverley Woollahra Arts Centre.

1998 Group show, Gallery AD163, Glebe.

1998 Blacktown Council Acquisitive Art Exhibition

1998 Student and Tutors Exhibition, Waverley Woollahra Arts Centre

1999 "Summerdaze" group exhibition, TAP gallery, Darlinghurst.

1999 Drumoyne Municipal Art Society Inc. show.

1999 Group Show, Gallery 101, Cronulla.

1999 "Cahootsin" Group Show, Tap Gallery, Darlinghurst. 

1999 Canson Print Awards.

1999 Tutors exhibition and auction, Waverley Woollahra Arts Centre.

1999 "Clean up Australia" exhibition, Michael Comerford Galleries.

 

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Publications

  • 1993 to Present, various articles in magazines featuring painted finishes (Woman's Weekly, Better Homes and Gardens, Australian Country Craft) and TV shows (Our house, Better Homes and Gardens, Changing Rooms)

Collections:

  • Microsoft Head office, Sydney, Australia

  • Private Collections in Australia, the United States, South Korea, England, Scotland, Japan

Professional Memberships:

  • Print Council of Australia (PCA)

  • Surface coatings association of Australia

Professional Experience:

  • Painting teacher, Waverly Woollahra Art School, Sydney, Australia (1997-2004)

  • Keynote speaker – THE BLUE HOUR, HERAKLEIDON MUSEUM Athens Greece 2019

  • Commissioned Paper – The colour blue, Royal Society Sydney Australia 2019

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