B. 1952

Joseph Zbukvic is a celebrated Croatian-born Australian watercolorist renowned for his mastery of the medium and his evocative landscapes. Born in Zagreb, Croatia, Zbukvic spent his childhood on a small farm, where he developed a deep connection to nature. Initially studying literature and languages, his artistic talent led him to pursue painting. After political unrest forced his family to immigrate to Australia in 1970, he studied at the Gordon Institute of Technology (now Deakin University) in Geelong.

Zbukvic’s breakthrough came in 1975 when he won the Corio Council Art Award. His expressive watercolors, often depicting atmospheric landscapes and historic sites, soon garnered recognition, and he has gone on to win over 200 awards throughout his career. Notable accolades include the Gold Medal at the Camberwell Rotary Art Exhibition (2001–2004) and the Shanghai Zhujiajiao International Watercolour Biennial Award in 2010.

With over 40 solo exhibitions in Australia and internationally, including in China, the United Kingdom, and the United States, Zbukvic's work is held in public collections worldwide, such as the Mimara Museum in Zagreb and the Castlemaine Regional Gallery.

An elected member of the Australian Watercolour Institute and the Victorian Watercolour Society, Zbukvic is celebrated for his ability to capture the lyrical beauty of his subjects, often painting on location to achieve the utmost authenticity. His work transcends mere representation, transforming ordinary scenes into poignant, poetic visual language.

For a more in-depth biography of this artist, click here.