Archibald prizewinning artist, Nicholas Harding gives back to Chris O’Brien Life house

After being diagnosed with Basic Tongue Cancer in late 2017, Nicholas Harding is now on the road to recovery, and is giving back in the best way he knows how — by spreading his love for art.

Archibald-winning artist Nicholas Harding in his Camperdown studio. Picture: John Appleyard

AFTER being diagnosed with Basic Tongue Cancer in late 2017, Nicholas Harding is now on the road to recovery, and is giving back in the best way he knows how — by spreading his love for art.

The 52-year-old, from Newtown, received his treatment at the Chris O’Brien Life House Hospital and despite being given the all clear, he can’t seem to stay away from the place.

Mr Harding, a passionate artist and the 2001 Archibald Prize winning artist, will host a painting demonstration on Wednesday February 6 from 11am to 1pm.

Nicholas will do a painting demonstration at the cancer hospital as part of its art program Arterie , and will be painting flowers. Picture: John Appleyard

“I walk past Chris O’Brien Life House every day on the way to my studio, and any way I can give back to them, give them a hand somehow in my limited capacity, I’ve always been prepared to do that,” he said.

“I was in for a follow up program late last year, lympathic massage, acupuncture and having my neck looked at and I bumped into Deb who runs the Arterie program- the hospital’s art therapy program.

Patient and artist from the Arterie program Paula Broom with 2001 Archibald prizewinning artist, Nicholas Harding, who has also been a patient at the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse. Picture: John Appleyard

“She asked if I’d be interested in doing a painting demonstration, and I said sure.”

During his time in hospital, Mr Harding was forced to take a five month break from painting, but he kept up his drawing which he said helped to take his mind off what he was going through.

“I was out of action but I did draw,” he said.

“I kept a couple of sketchbooks, when I was able to I kept my hand going, that was helpful.”

He said he would draw many of the things people would send him, like food, flowers and candles.

Archibald-winning artist Nicholas Harding in his Camperdown studio. Picture: John Appleyard

He said his partner Lynne was his biggest muse.

“Most of the things I painted are in some way for her,” he said.

“I started painting when i’d look at the things that got me excited and wanted to go home and paint, I said if I could get to a certain level I’d give people the same pleasure with my work.

“If one person feels that from watching me then job done.

“Otherwise, it’s just a healthy distraction from the rather unpleasant process of getting treated.”

Mr Harding has had 36 solo exhibitions since 1992 and has been included in over 140

group exhibitions since 1982. He has been a finalist in the Archibald Prize 18 times between

1994 and 2018.