David Rees was born to be an artist – a realisation he traces back to the moment a pencil was first placed in his hand at just 18 months old.
Although his life took many unexpected turns, creativity remained a constant thread along with the quiet determination to one day share his work with the world.
Early days
Born in Liverpool, England, David grew up on the Wirral alongside his younger sister on the banks of River Mersey.
The docks became part of his upbringing, shaped by his father’s fascination with ships.
That early exposure would later come full circle when his maritime artworks were exhibited by the Royal Society of Marine Artists at London’s Mall Galleries – an achievement that felt deeply personal.
From a young age, David showed a natural talent for drawing and painting.
He spent countless hours sketching, often focusing on cars.
In the 1960s, he attended Liverpool College of Art.
A new door opens
At 18, David entered the world of advertising, joining the Robertson Group, where he created artist impressions of proposed buildings across Europe.
During this time, he was seconded to World Wide Pictures, gaining valuable insight into the film industry.
His first independent film earned top honours at the British Industrial Film Festival in 1972.
After six years, he moved to the Oliver Rix Group as an advertising manager.
The work eventually led him to travel, and a visit to Australia in 1976 proved pivotal.
Although visa restrictions forced him to return to the UK, the experience left a lasting impression and he returned 18 months later, this time to stay.
David went on to establish his own advertising agencies in Adelaide, Alice Springs and Perth and ventured into film and television as a writer and producer.
Returning to art
In 1991, David relocated to Dubai shortly after the Gulf War, where he lived for a decade.
On his 50th birthday, he was gifted a set of oil paints – a moment that reignited his passion.
He made the bold decision to step away from advertising and pursue art full-time.
In 1998, after two years of dedicated work, he held the region’s first oil painting exhibition, at a time when Islamic calligraphy dominated the art scene.
Sharing creativity
In 2025, David relocated with his partner Vera Lucia Lima to Beaudesert, seeking a quieter pace of life.
His home now serves as both a living space and a gallery, filled with decades of his artworks sourced from around the world.
Today, he welcomes visitors who are curious to experience his work firsthand, offering them a glimpse into a lifetime shaped by creativity, persistence and an enduring love of art.
