The Art of Gary Lee-Gaston: Portraits, Landscapes, Pageants and His Legacy in South Australian Art

Join Peter Gaston as he presents The Art of Gary Lee-Gaston, a heartfelt tribute to his father, the renowned South Australian artist Gary Lee-Gaston OAM (1938–2021). This video offers an intimate look into Gary Lee-Gaston's life, artist biography, and his profound impact on South Australian art history.

Gary Lee-Gaston was a versatile South Australian artist, celebrated for both his commercial and fine artworks, each holding significant cultural value. His creative legacy includes pioneering commercial designs such as 3D floats for Adelaide's iconic Christmas Pageant and figures for the Tour Down Under, alongside accomplished landscape paintings, portraits, murals, and sculptures.

This video is a must-watch for art enthusiasts, collectors, art students, and historians interested in Australian fine art collections and the evolution of commercial art in South Australia.

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Discover the inspiring legacy of Gary Lee-Gaston and his significant contributions to the Australian art community through the eyes of his son.

Our heartfelt thanks to Gallery One in Mitcham, SA, for their support in organising and recording this tribute to one of South Australia's most influential artists.

Video Timeline:
00:00 – Introduction
Welcome to this tribute to South Australian artist Gary Lee-Gaston.

00:42 – Family Memories: Gary Lee-Gaston’s Early Life
Peter Gaston shares stories of his father’s childhood and family background.

03:15 – Gary Lee-Gaston’s Early Artistic Influences
Exploring the beginnings of Gary’s passion for art.

03:42 – First Art Job: Window Dressing & Sign Writing
Gary’s commercial art journey begins with creative roles in display and signage.

04:54 – 3D Floats & the Magic Cave: A Christmas Pageant Pioneer
How Gary brought festive wonder to life with innovative pageant designs.

06:46 – Sculpting for the Tour Down Under
Gary's work crafting vibrant figures for South Australia’s iconic cycling race.

07:21 – Murals & Commercial Masterpieces
A look at Gary Lee-Gaston’s large-scale public art and standout commercial works.

08:31 – The Iconic WEA Poster: Celebrating a Milestone
Behind the scenes of one of Gary’s most well-known illustrations.

09:26 – Fine Art Career Begins: From Commercial to Personal Expression
How Gary transitioned into painting and developed his fine-art practice.

10:46 – Mentors Who Shaped Gary’s Artistic Style
Peter reflects on the key influences that shaped Gary’s artistic evolution.

11:32 – A Father’s Portrait: Capturing Peter at Age Six
The story behind a touching father-son portrait and Gary’s portraiture style.

12:41 – Art Awards & Recognition
Celebrating Gary’s many achievements and prize-winning works.

13:09 – Overseas Study: The Impact of a Global Art Scholarship
Gary’s artistic development during study trips in Europe and America.

14:18 – Landscapes & Poetry: Portloe, England
Peter reads Gary’s poetry and describes a special painting of Portloe.

15:40 – Painting Trips Across South Australia
Family adventures, painting the outback, and life lessons along the way.

17:24 – Capturing the Murray River: Landscape Painting Mastery
Gary’s approach to landscape art, with a focus on the Murray River.

19:22 – Artistic Drive: Gary’s Pursuit of Excellence
His constant self-improvement and perfectionism as an artist.

20:41 – Life Lessons from Gary Lee-Gaston
Peter shares the personal wisdom passed on from father to son.

22:27 – Portrait Commissions: Telling Human Stories
Exploring Gary’s commissioned portrait work and storytelling through faces.

22:37 – The Role of Life Drawing in Gary’s Art Practice
How figure drawing shaped his technical and expressive skills.

23:36 – “At the Stockade” & Poem “Eureka”
Peter discusses a powerful painting and reads a stirring poem by Gary.

25:41 – Gary Lee-Gaston’s Artistic Legacy & Community Impact
Recognition with an Order of Australia medal and lasting influence on SA art.

26:13 – Why Peter Loves His Father’s Art
Three heartfelt reasons Gary’s work resonates so profoundly with his son.

28:04 – Conclusion
Closing thoughts on a remarkable artist and a treasured legacy.

#AustralianArt #SouthAustralianArt #ArtHistory #VisualArt
#AdelaideArt #AustralianArtists #CulturalHeritage #ArtDocumentary #Impressionism #ArtLegacy #RegionalArt