Ken Done, visual designer and painter of all things bright and beautiful, caused plenty of laughs at last week’s meeting of the Cronulla South Probus Club.
Ken described his early life and design work for advertising agencies in Japan, America and the UK.
In London, he brushed shoulders with the rich and famous. He worked with photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones and had an noteworthy encounter with his charming wife, Princess Margaret, at Kensington Palace.
A few days later, Ken received a phone call relaying a telegram from Margaret inviting him to a rendezvous via a side door of the Palace.
He was chuffed until he realised the telegram was a fake from one of his friends.
Returning to Australia after 10 years abroad, he was determined to be a full-time painter.
Ken said he was captivated by the natural light in Australia and the beauty of Sydney, especially its harbour.
He said a painter cannot improve on the beauty of nature, “that would be impossible”, but you can convey an impression or feeling of that beauty.
Ken said he normally has several works in progress in his studio at his home on Sydney Harbour. He walks by them frequently and decides if they need more work or should be “hosed down”.
Ken is unpretentious and eschews the term, “artist”. He said he is a messy painter and sometimes ponders if the paint that spills on the floor is a better composition than the one on his easel.
After the talk, Ken was swamped with questions and requests for photos. He was good-natured enough to autograph the club’s piano.
Des Levins, President of Cronulla South Probus, said the club endeavours to find engaging and entertaining speakers for its monthly meetings which are held at the South Cronulla Bowling and Recreation Club on the third Friday of each month.
“We are a strong club with over 120 members but we are interested in attracting new members, especially recently retired and semi- retired couples,” Des said.
“Single males are a rare species but are particularly welcome”.
Further information can be obtained by contacting the club at probusmatters@gmail.com or from the club’s website: https://www.probussouthpacific.org/microsites/cronullasouth