Prior to his career in advertising and graphic design, Don as a 14 year old student in 1943, spent three years at Elam School of Art. There he was tutored by John Weeks, Archie Fisher, Lois White, Ida Eise and Mac McLaren.
Don left Elam in 1947 and enjoyed a 40 year career in Advertising, both as Director and Creative Head of three major advertising agencies in Auckland. He was also the founder of the Magnum Corporation Design Studio (formerly Rothmans Industries Ltd)
It was the early association and influence of John Weeks and Ron Stenberg, that gave Don a special awareness of colour and light, the sea and the beautiful complexity of drawing boats – be they steel or wood.
This dedication to drawing, over many years in the Auckland Viaduct are and on the Tutukaka Coast has resulted in a collection of watercolours and oils of the harbour ferries and fishing craft which Don believes has great historical value.
Don is currently working mainly in oils – seeking out references and exploring the many different facets of ancient coastal Pohutukakas and other natives and exotics.
Rep; Auckland City Art Gallery, private collections throughout New Zealand, Australia and Scotland.