Nyngan Health Service Aged Care Unit is currently enjoying its own live-in artist in the form of 91-year-old John White. 

John who has lived and worked on the land his whole life only moved to the Unit this year but has soon established himself as the bloke to visit as he recently rediscovered a passion for drawing that lay dormant until now.  

“I drew a lot when I was a young boy but as I got older, I just didn’t seem to find time. After my wife Joy passed away last year and I moved to aged care I seemed to have a lot of time on my hands and I joined an art class and I regained my love for it,” said John. 

“Now I draw all day long and my family keep me supplied with paper and pencils and people even come in to ask me to draw things for them, such as their pets, children and even themselves,” laughed John. 

A kind and humble man, John is very well respected in his local community after years of working, volunteering and championing Nyngan. His love of land and animals is evident in his drawings and he takes his inspiration from memory and particularly newspapers, magazines such as RM Williams Outback magazine and Australian working Stock Dog Magazine.  

John, who with wife Joy, owned and ran White’s Kelpie Stud since the 1950’s is particularly keen on drawing dogs and although he says he is still learning he is enjoying the process. 

“Sometimes I take a long time to get the drawing right and sometimes I get it right the first time. I am learning as I go and hopefully each drawing gets better than the last,” he said. 

According to Deanna Bamford – Activities Officer at the Unit, John is an inspiration to all those around him as he quietly works on his art. 

“John has become our artist in residence, with staff, residents and visitors enjoying the finished drawings and often supplying him with photos for inspiration.” 

“Through the power of art, John has found a way to express himself and to keep occupied. John works in the realism style and is very particular with measurements, which give a perfect reflection of his subjects,” said Ms. Bamford. 

“He is able to recreate a picture without lessening the picture itself. His own life reflects in his chosen works as dogs, horses and family are his favourite subject matter.” 

“It is amazing to see resident’s talents on display,” according to Nursing Manager at Nyngan Health Service Jenny Griffiths.  

“I have known John most of my life and I never knew he was such a talented artist. The art has helped John transition from living at home to coming into aged care,” said Mrs. Griffiths. 

“There are 26 residents currently in aged care at Nyngan Health Service, who have a busy schedule of activities including hoy, bingo, movies, exercises, church services and lots of arts and crafts. Some choose lots and others just a few – it’s all about choice.” 

“We love that John has found his passion here with us,” said Mrs. Griffiths. 

Plans are underway to hold a black-tie exhibition next year for John and other budding artists at the Hospital to celebrate their works and to raise funds for the Aged Care Unit and to give the residents a night to celebrate themselves and their lives in the local community.  

Meanwhile John can be found each day in his room, drawing, to add to the Gallery the nurses have set up on his room entrance wall.  

It’s true you can teach an old dog new tricks,” said John with a laugh. “I will keep working on it and I am glad everyone is enjoying what I do.”