Derek Watt
Born in Scotland in 1942, Derek studies at Plymouth School of Art, Devonport, UK. He joined the Scots Guards, serving two years in Kenya, Africa.
After meeting his wife Jeannne and emigrating to Australia in 1965 he continued painting as a hobby, entering many exhibitions and selling paintings privately, whilst teaching handicapped children work and living skills.
In the late 80s Derek and Jeanne bought the Leura Village Gallery in the Blue Mountains and over the next 21 years turned it into a very successful gallery where Derek was able to pursue his passion of painting on a full-time basis. In more recent years he has also enjoyed making humorous and whimsical metal sculptures from all sorts of recycled odds and ends.
In 2003 Derek and Jeanne decided to move from Leura to the beautiful Kangaroo Valley, where Derek created a bright modern gallery and recently extended it to include an exhibition area for selected artists, changing the displays regularly.
Over the years Derek has attended workshops with Robert Wilson, warwick Fuller, John Wilson, Rae Andrews and an etching course with Greg Hyde.