Top 10 Amazing Facts About Kelvin Charles “Pro” Hart

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Top 10 Amazing Facts about Kelvin Charles “Pro” Hart

Kelvin Charles “Pro” Hart was a popular Australian artist who was born on 30^th May 1928 in Broken Hill, New South Wales. He married Raylee June Tonkin and together they had five grown-up children namely, Marie, John, David, Kym, and Julie.

He is the father of the Outback painting in Australia as his works are so inspiring capturing the spirit of the outback. He grew up on the sheep farm located in Menindee, New South Wales where he acquired the nickname “professor” hence the name “Pro”. His nickname “Professor” came as a result of his wide recognition as an inventor.

Kelvin Charles “Pro” Hart had a passion for arts from a very young age and he later returned to Broken Hill to work as a miner in his early twenties.

Most people believe that his style of art was inspired by his hard work and the characters in the mine. Kelvin Charles “Pro” Hart the prolific artist however died on 28^th March 2006 at the age of 77 after suffering from motor neurone disease.

Below are the top ten amazing facts about Kelvin Charles “Pro” Hart

1. Kelvin Charles “Pro” Hart was a Professional Artist and Sculptor

Kelvin Charles “Pro” Hart was a well-known artist and sculptor who was very professional in his work. Most of his famous work portrayed the scene of rural town life as he painted using brushes and sponges together with oils or acrylics.

Some of his professional works also depicted some religious objects, nature as well as topical commentary.

Kelvin Charles “Pro” Hart was a popular sculptor, known to work with ceramics, bronze, and welded steel. He was also known for his novel techniques such as “balloon painting” and “Cannon painting”.

2. His Passion for Painting was Noticed very Early in his Life

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Kelvin Charles “Pro” Hart’s talent in painting was seen very early in life when he was just the age of seven years. His first artwork occurred after correspondence between the school lessons and the school of air which thrust upon his carefree young life.

Kelvin Charles “Pro” Hart’s mother was both his tutor as well as his brother. Due to his talent, he was always able to sketch and paint at the age of seven and he began to illustrate his school essays. He is fully self-taught without any formal art training.

3. His Work as a Miner Greatly Inspired his Art

Kelvin Charles “Pro” Hart’s artwork was tremendously influenced by his work as a miner. He began to work as a miner immediately after completing his studies at Marist Bother’s College.

In the mines, he worked a twelve-hour shift which helped him gain a strong Christian spirit and compassion for the ordinary folk. It also helped him to record some of the realities and harshness not only on the miners but also in general life in his artwork.

With this information, he was able to capture the real character of the Australian people and Australia itself.

4. He has a Collection of Sculptures Around the Broken Hill Township

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Kelvin Charles “Pro” Hart is also popular for his work in making unique sculptures most of which are found around Broken Hill township. He began his career as a sculptor later in life around the 1960s when he used bronze, silver, and ceramics.

After working for some time he discovered steel which proved to be the best medium in his sculpturing work. Most of his works are found in Kelvin Charles “Pro” Hart’s gallery.

5. He was Discovered by a Gallery Director in Adelaide

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Kelvin Charles “Pro” Hart was discovered by a gallery director in Adelaide, South Australia. He was discovered in 1962, due to his first Pro Hart Gallery exhibition and since then a legend was born.

Since the Pro developed some unique styles that portrayed the Australian outback. His use of oils and watercolors with pallet knives proved the true harshness of the outback.

6. Kelvin Charles “Pro” Hart Loved to Find Comedy in the Outback

Although Kelvin Charles “Pro” Hart got most of his inspiration from the mines, he also looked for comedy for inspiration. He attended events such as the huge family meeting and the Country Race Meetings for inspiration.

Other beautiful places for inspiration included the long sandy beaches with people playing around and the workers who hurried up in their never-ending business.

7. He was awarded the Distinction of Member of the British Empire

Kelvin Charles “Pro” Hart was awarded the distinction of Member of the British for his outstanding service of art in 1976.

He was also awarded the Honorary Life Membership of Society International Artistique in 1982 for his spectacular achievements in art. This award is however awarded to just one artist in the entire continent. He also received an Australian Citizen of the year award in 1983.

8. His Gallery House is one of the Largest Private Collections

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Kelvin Charles “Pro” Hart’s gallery house is one of the largest private collections. The house contains Pro Hart paintings and art including a collection of about 300 Dobell etchings.

It also houses several sculptures, old silver, perfume bottles, and Chinese Ming and baccarat paperweights.

9. He is one of the Most Loved and Colorful Characters

Kelvin Charles “Pro” Hart has been considered one of the most loved and colorful characters and has several collections worldwide.

He has about 14 books and 19 International exhibitions. Some of his art has been reproduced on mouse pads, cards, coasters, mugs, prints as well as calendars.

10. He was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease

Kelvin Charles “Pro” Hart was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in December 2005. The disease was very fatal and progressively caused muscles to weaken and waste. He however died on March 2006 at the age of 77 in his home, Broken Hill. Since he was truly loved, he was given a state funeral.

Kelvin Charles “Pro” Hart was a popular artist and sculptor who began his career very early at the age of seven. After completing school, he began to work as a miner where he drew most of his inspiration from. He also received several awards as a result of his outstanding service to art.