John Swadling is an accomplished Australian landscape artist and art educator based on the Gold Coast, Queensland. His impressionistic paintings capture the distinctive light, atmosphere and beauty of Australia's coastal, hinterland and urban environments.
Drawing inspiration from the beaches and waterways of South-East Queensland, the dramatic landscapes of the hinterland, and the iconic harbour vistas of his former home city of Sydney, John's work reflects a deep connection to place. He is also inspired by the rugged beauty of the Blue Mountains and the Snowy Monaro region of New South Wales, areas with which he maintains a long-standing personal connection.
John's paintings are recognised for their expressive brushwork, vibrant colour palettes and evocative sense of light and mood. Through his work, he seeks to capture not only the visual beauty of the Australian landscape but also the atmosphere, character and emotional connection that make each location unique.
John has been selected as a finalist in the Darcy Doyle Art Awards on eight occasions, receiving two finalist selections in each of 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026. He was also a finalist in the Raglan Art Prize (2023), the inaugural Queens Wharf Brisbane Art Prize (2025) with his urban landscape 'Isaac Street, Spring Hill – A Brisbane Echo', and the Brisbane Rotary Art Show (2026).
In addition to his professional painting practice, John is an Art Educator with the University of the Third Age (U3A) Gold Coast, where he teaches and mentors artists. His passion for sharing knowledge and encouraging artistic development reflects his commitment to the ongoing vitality of Australian landscape painting.
Through both studio and plein air practice, John continues to explore and interpret the Australian landscape, creating works that invite viewers to experience the beauty, character and spirit of the places that inspire him.