Christopher McLeod was born in Brisbane in 1939. He was educated in Darwin and his early experiences and later visits to the Northern Territory have always had a profound influence on his work.

His lengthy list of achievements, exhibitions, awards and commissions testify to the talent and wide appeal of this largely self-taught artist, however, Jon Molvig did provide some early training and guidance.
Christopher is known for his lavish use of colour, balanced aesthetic images, a quirkish approach to his subjects and an often humorous approach to Australian culture. He usually prefers to work with a square format which he began using in 1985.

Early career highlights include a meeting with Albert Namatjira and being a finalist in a Caltex Junior Award. He has exhibited regularly since 1967 and began working in the first of many series in 1987.

Artist's statement
ART IS LIFE
I am driven by my desire to create paintings that are relevant to the world around me. I have always had a leaning towards the Australian landscape particularly the Northern Territory where I was educated and have visited many times.

With the incredible advances in photography and computer imaging I believe it is not enough for the Artist to be merely visual (if we ever were). The Artist has to investigate the why and try to come to terms with the driving force of nature if we are to remain relevant to ourselves and society.

I have always painted in series, usually up to 30 or 40 paintings in each set, based on subjects that interest me and somewhere within that series I try to paint at least one painting that can be considered a key work on which I try to build.
I don't attempt a new series until I am sure I am as familiar as possible with my subject and the bulk of my work is based on life set against rural, urban and fantasized locations, following long periods of research. Albert Namatjira told me when I was a small boy only paint what you know and I try where possible to follow his advice.

I paint in both gouache and oils and use a square format which I find allows me to achieve a better balance with my images which is an important element of my work. I am largely self taught, preferring to create my own standards and rules, although I did receive considerable assistance when I was younger from my friend, the late Jon Molvig (Archibald Prize Winner) who was responsible for helping me to understand the role of the artist in society.

My never ending quest is to interpret our relationship with the landscape - "Art is Life".