Biography
Jim van Geet is a professional artist living in the beautiful mountain country of North Eastern Victoria at the foothills of Mt. Buffalo, Australia.
He was born in Amsterdam, Holland and came to Australia at a young age.
Although he had a natural ability and desire for painting and drawing from an early age, his education took a different path. After completing a Diploma of Applied Science and working as a Technical Advisor to Patent Attorneys, he then undertook a Diploma of Fine Art, changed careers, became a Furniture Designer and continued to paint.
His love of art and the pursuit of excellence caused him to seek further tuition from artists such as John Borrack, Ron Crawford and the Melbourne Realist Art School.
Art is a passion for Jim, as can be seen from his evocative portraits and figurative work. He takes great delight in capturing the essence / spirit of his subjects as they inspire him to extend his art even further.
He has won numerous art awards, is eagerly sought after for commissions, especially his portraits, and his paintings grace the walls of residences in Australia, Britain, France, U.S.A and Holland.
He was Principal of the Black Range Art School and inaugurated the King Valley Art Show and Festival in 1996 as well as convening the “Campfires against Cancer” major charity art show in Albury in 2003
He was invited to exhibit in the Florence Biennale in December 2007 and was one of 12 Australians amongst 823 artists from 66 countries taking part.
As a consequence of this exhibition he is now also represented by galleries in Los Angeles.
Upon returning to Australia he jointly formed the association known as “ Florence Biennale Australia “ and convened and curated their first joint Exhibition – “ Contemporanea “. This was held over 2 months in Melbourne on 6th October 2010 and subsequently in Canberra on 6th. November 2010