Bruce Griffiths
Artist
Phone:
0403346229
Email:
Address:
Toowoomba
Date of Birth:
July 7, 1955
A Bit About Me
“Never paint where you haven’t been and never paint what you cannot feel.”
A lifetime spent fishing and exploring the Australian bush has deeply shaped Bruce Griffiths’ love of the outdoors—and it shows in every painting. Bruce’s watercolours capture the essence of the Australian landscape, telling stories through mood, light, and atmosphere. Working in a style best described as traditional semi-realism with an impressionist leaning, Bruce paints not just what he sees—but how he feels about what he sees.
“If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing.” – Marc Chagall
Art critic Sandy Pottinger (The Chronicle, 2019) described Bruce’s work as follows:
“The paintings capture popular themes with seemingly effortless skill. Fleeting moments shaped by light and the shifting patterns of nature capture mood and atmosphere enhanced by the tonal harmonies of colour.”
Artistic Training & Education
Bruce began painting in 2002, inspired by both the Australian landscape and the watercolour masters who came before him. His early years were shaped by workshops with renowned artists like Robert Wade, Joseph Zbukvic, Greg Allen, Alvaro Castagnet, and Herman Pekel, among others. He has since formalised his training through university studies and continues to refine his unique style that emphasises storytelling and light.
Formal Education
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Certificate III in Visual Arts (2022)
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Associate Diploma in Applied Science (Building Construction Technology) – Honours
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Continued mentorship under Thomas Schaller (2023, 2024 International Mentorship Program)
Masterclasses & Workshops
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Robert Wade OAM: 2002, 2006, 2008, 2014
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Joseph Zbukvic: 2008, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018
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Greg Allen: 2009, 2012
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David Taylor: 2011
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Alvaro Castagnet: 2018
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Herman Pekel: 2021, 2023
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Thomas Schaller: 2023–2024
Exhibitions & Collections
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Rosalie House & Cellar Door, Meringandan QLD
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MYART Gallery, Toowoomba
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Online at:
Publications & Features
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2013 – Contributor, Worldwide Art Book
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2017 – Featured Artist, STYLE Magazine (Toowoomba)
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2018 – Featured Artist, MET Gallery
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2025 – Featured Artist, SAN CAI
Recent Awards
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2025 – 1st Prize, Watercolour, Toowoomba Royal Show
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2024 – 1st Prize, Watercolour, Foothills Art Show
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2023 – Grand Champion, Toowoomba Royal Show
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2022 – Grand Champion, Toowoomba Royal Show
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2021–2020 – Finalist, Australian Watercolour Muster
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2020 – Finalist, CQU Australian Art Awards
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2019 – 1st Prize, Landscape/Seascape Any Medium, Toowoomba Royal Show
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2018 – 1st Prize, Watercolour, Toowoomba Royal Show
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2016 – Finalist, Stanthorpe Art Prize
A comprehensive list of awards and achievements is available on request.
Teaching & Workshops
A passionate educator, Bruce believes that teaching deepens his own practice:
“Teaching makes me a better artist. There are no mistakes in watercolour, only learning moments—and that fosters positivity in my classes.”
Recent Workshops & Demonstrations
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Watercolour Society QLD (Brisbane)
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Redcliffe Art Society
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Toowoomba Art Society (Term-long classes since 2019)
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St. George Art Group
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Kingaroy Art Group
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USQ Winter McGregor School (2021)
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Art on the Barron Arts Festival – 2022, 2023
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Mareeba Bell Art Group
Residencies
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Artist in Residence, Falls Creek, Victoria – 2025
Current Practice
Bruce is a full-time, practicing artist based in Kleinton, QLD—a serene hub for creativity and teaching. He holds a current Blue Card, accepts commissions, and is highly sought-after for workshops and watercolour demonstrations across Australia.
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