Ray Crooke was born in Auburn, Victoria in 1922. For most of his of his adult life he has worked in Northern Queensland, travelling extensively throughout Australia and the Torres Strait and Pacific island regions. His powerful imagery and vibrant colours have made him one of Australia’s most highly regarded artists.
For over 40 years his images of the tropical north of Australia and the Pacific islands have proved highly popular. He continues to make frequent trips to Fiji to sketch and get ideas for his paintings.
Crooke was awarded an honorary doctorate and was made a member of the Order of Australia in 1993 for his contribution to Australian art. Crooke has also been the recipient of several notable awards. He won the Archibald prize in 1969 for his portrait of the writer, George Johnston.
Represented: by all Australian state galleries, many regional galleries, many corporate and private collections in Australia and overseas.
References:
McCulloch, Alan McCulloch, Susan McCulloch, Emily McCulloch-Childs. The New McCulloch’s Encyclopedia of Australian Art. 4th Edition, Aus Art Melbourne & The Miegunyah Press, 2006. Page 355.
Germaine, Max. Artists and Galleries of Australia, Volumes 1 & 2, Third Edition. Craftsman Press, Sydney, 1990. Page 150.
Campbell, Jean. Australian Watercolour Painters: 1780 to the Present Day. Craftsman House, Sydney, 1989. Page 301.
Numerous books and other media articles over the years.