Peter has chosen to assist his fellow artists by promoting the Artists' Open Studio program in this website, believing 'that having a generosity of spirit can only be a good thing'.

Thousands of words and hundreds of books have been written about the Impressionists. Prints of Van Gough, Monet, Sisley, and Gaugin hang in lounge rooms and doctors' waiting rooms around the world.

However, when they were struggling to survive in Paris and parts of France early this century - very few people knew of their existence and they were not regarded as 'valuable' to society. Slowly over decades they became known - then famous: and their paintings became extremely valuable.

How does a 'movement' like the Impressionists begin? A collection of Artists gather in one place and swap ideas - they gather in that place because of the cultural stimulus, the light, and most of all, because creative people become exited with each others skills, differences, and ways of looking at the world. For that is what 'Art' is - a unique way of looking at the world.

If you purchase an original painting - that is what you buy - an artist's peculiar vision, and he/she shows you another special way of seeing life. It is also a celebration of what the artist sees as important. Paintings can ultimately be worth millions as society begins to realise how unique and extraordinary these visions are.

In May and November/December of each year in the Yarra Valley of Victoria, the artists participating in the Artists' Open Studio program sponsored by the Nillumbik Council want to let you, the public, in on a little known secret. They are not the new impressionists but they are unique.

In the tradition of the Heidelberg school, this group of artists now live around Eltham, Bend of Islands, St Andrews and the Yarra Valley because this is one of the most beautiful places in Southern Australia. It stimulates creativity and well being. Is this claim too far fetched? Are we living in one of the most wonderful places in the world? Are these artists part of the contemporary movement which celebrate this region and its lifestyle? Is this a very special local secret? The answer is simply - yes!

And here's another interesting question: will the works of the artists participating in the Artists' Open Studio program be destined to become as famous as Monet, Modigiliani, Picasso, Van Gough? We don't know of course, but we do know that this group of artists are gathered to reveal to you a number of private viewings of their work.

If you have any queries please email Peter on: peteroyston@wallabydreamingartgallery.com