Brian Simmonds

Brian Simmonds began his career as a lithographer in the printing industry while studying art at Claremont Technical College in the evenings, later completing a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts at Curtin University. Before becoming a full‑time artist in 1990, he worked for The Sunday Times and New Idea.

Brian’s career was varied and adventurous, including periods busking as a portrait artist in hotel lobbies and aboard a Mediterranean cruise ship. He was also a dedicated art teacher for many years at the City of Nedlands’ Tresillian Arts Centre, where he is remembered as an inspiring teacher and talented artist.

Brian is widely recognised for his illustrated books combining pastel landscapes and pencil drawings with writing by Australian authors. Collaborating with author Dianne Wolfer on a series of WWI stories for children, he illustrated Lighthouse Girl (2010), Light Horse Boy (2013) In the Lamplight (2018) and Last Light Horse (2024). He also published several coffee table books featuring his own paintings, The River (2013), Rottnest Island (2013) and The Beach (2020).

Brian exhibited regularly in the City of Stirling Art Awards and won the Drawing Prize in 1981, the Painting Prize in 1983 and the Open Art Prize 1984, among many other local art prizes. His work is held in private and public collections across Australia, including the State Library of Western Australia, TAFE WA and Parliament House.