David Bromley in Newcastle ‘Story Road’ 18 - 21 October

We thought we’d let Amy Edwards from the Newcastle Herald get you up to speed with this news item

AUSTRALIAN artist David Bromley opened his first exhibition in Newcastle yesterday and was immediately greeted by a fan still in primary school.

‘‘I would like to think the kids relate to a story and an energy in my work,’’ Bromley said.

‘‘I’m a big kid. I don’t want to grow up.’’

The multiple Archibald Prize finalist, whose celebrity collectors include Lily Allen, Hugo Weaving, Toni Collette and Dannii Minogue, paints many images of children.

His youthful explorations can be traced back to 1950s children’s books and tell stories of adventure, exploration and imagination.

Based in Byron Bay, Bromley has never been attracted to hosting an extensive number of exhibitions in major art galleries.

‘‘I’ve spent most of my time living and working in regional areas. I started at Noosa Heads. I’m a huge believer in taking art to the people,’’ Bromley said of deciding to exhibit in Newcastle.

Bromley visited Newcastle with his partner of two years, and occasional model for his paintings, Yuge Yu.

Besides depicting children, Bromley is known for painting female nudes.

‘‘It’s quite surreal,’’ Ms Yu said of viewing a painting of herself.

‘‘At first I didn’t want to be painted. I hated getting my photo taken but it’s nothing like a mirror image. It’s quite flattering being in a painting.’’

Ms Yu is a lawyer turned fashion designer.

Hosted by Trevor Victor Harvey Galley, Bromley’s Newcastle exhibition is titled The Story Road and features large paintings on canvas, bronze sculpture, pottery and signature quilts.

The exhibition, in the Banquet Room at Newcastle City Hall, will be open to the public from 10am to 6pm daily and runs until Sunday. - AMY EDWARDS