He said the theme of the 20 paintings were expressive and inspired by the region.

“They’re sharp and warm with jagged lines and fiery gestures. I have recently been living 50km out of Moree and have been painting in a wool shed, so I think the works come from being saturated with the impressive landscapes,” he said.

Mr Kearns said the collection featured 10 big and 10 small paintings which took him around two to three months to complete, which he decided to call it ‘of the land’.

“It is quite easy to draw figures and portraits but I find it’s a challenge to do abstract paintings because you have to try and capture a feeling and create the essence of the environment in your art,” he said.

Mr Kearns said the Walcha exhibition was a great opportunity for him to reach a specific market, and he said the work had already been well-received in the art community. 

“The Walcha gallery has recently become quite big exhibiting well-known artists. It has certainly established, so it is an exciting exhibition,” he said.

Mr Kearns said he had always been into art, and when he left school he got into graphic designing for seven years.

“About five years ago I started painting full-time and three years ago I got picked up by a top gallery in Sydney who now represent me. I have two exhibitions a year with them. In February I had an exhibition in Newcastle and last November I held one in Moree,” he said.

After his Walcha exhibition, Mr Kearns will host an open studio.

“Moree is a great place and I am excited for what’s to come.”