About Wal Murray

Wal Murray is an experienced graphic designer, art teacher and artist, practicing his own unique style of art in graphics, illustration, printmaking, design and photography.

Wal Murray is an experienced graphic designer, art teacher, and practicing artist whose work spans graphics, illustration, printmaking, design, and photography. His creative journey traces back to the late 1960s when Australian artist Alan Oldfield, then spending time at The Scots College, inspired a young boy from Lightning Ridge. The influence was profound, and the passion for art has never wavered.

Formal training in the art/graphics world began in Sydney's bustling advertising industry in the early 1970s - with a Cadetship - specialising in layout, illustration and typography.

After a stint in the theatre's backstage world at Sydney University's Seymor Centre and the Orange Civic Theatre - tertiary education beckoned (helped enormously by E G Whitlam's TEAS program).

Riverina College of Advanced Education - Diploma of Applied Art (Graphic Design) - Graphics, Photography, 2D & 3D Design, Silversmithing, Ceramics and Printmaking units were studied and a Graduate Diploma of Art Education followed.

First position as an art teacher was at St Stanislaus' College, Bathurst in 1983. The College's art program was in need of serious repair. A couple of years later the school's art had developed from a subject of little interest - to full classes sitting the HSC. Art continues as a viable elective at Stannies today.

The grass is always greener - a move to Mitchell CAE as a graphic designer seemed to be the opportunity to spend more time on my own artistic endeavors. In 1998 Mitchell became Charles Sturt University and the part time position rapidly became full-time, again putting on hold any time set aside for creativity.

Twelve or so years down the track and opportunity arose to enter into the world of small business. Bathurst Graphics & Signs came into existence. A creative rural based computer-generated signage with a strong graphic influence.

Recent years have seen a move towards the world of a real struggling artist.

'Boomerang Cafe' - watercolour illustartion c. 2000

Member for Bathurst - Paul Toole dropped in to say hello. Paul is a great supporter of local businesses - large or small. Funny how things turn out - Paul was in the first class I walked into as the new Art Teacher at St Stanislaus' College in 1983. Feb 2025.

'The Island' - Alan Oldfield - oil on canvas 1968

'Technicolour' - a dynamic painting executed in a hard edge style by Sydney artist Alan Oldfield - 1968.

Two additional influences - Pablo Picasso from the early 20th Century and Chuck Close as the 1960s dawned.

1970 School Certificate major work - acrylic on partical board.

1972 Higher School Certificate entry and winner of a major junior art award sponsored by Channel 7 - acrylic on canvas.

'Mainly Marsupials Miming Mike McClelland'- watercolour illustration c. 2000

'Parramatta, A Teddy Bears Picnic' - watercolour illustration c. 1998

'Things Are Bad, But They Could Be Worse' - watercolour illustration 2000