| By :
Martin Hofschroer
Australian performer Rolf Harris has revealed that his skills with the paintbrush are hereditary. The octogenarian told the Derby Telegraph that he comes from a long line of painters although his father was not able to fully express himself as an artist because of the wishes of his grandfather. He told the newspaper: "My father was a frustrated artist because my grandfather, who was a portrait painter, told his children not to become artists because they would always be broke." Rolf explained during a BBC documentary that he shares a royal connection with his grandfather as both have had the honour of painting portraits of reigning monarchs. The former Animal Hospital presenter painted a portrait of the Queen at Buckingham Palace for a BBC One Rolf on Art Special while his grandfather painted a portrait of King George V in which the monarch was inspecting the troops. Luckily for Rolf his father pushed him into pursuing a career in art after he showed promise as a youngster. He told the Telegraph: "Although my dad had all the talent, he was forbidden to pursue it. But when I showed an interest my parents actively encouraged me." Rolf left Australia in 1952 to study painting in England at the City and Guilds of London Art School and would later study under his artistic inspiration, the Australian impressionist Hayward Veal. Fans of the Australian's art can view a wide variety of his work at his touring exhibition 'A Life in Art' which celebrates his eightieth year and his 65 years as a painter. Visitors to 'A Life in Art' can expect to see a diverse assortment of art as Rolf revealed to the newspaper that he dislikes exhibitions where the subject matter is exactly the same. He said: "If the theme of an exhibition was seascapes but the only difference between paintings is a bit more sky in one and a narrow view of the beach in the other, the subject matter is identical." The artist's original work can fetch up to six figure sums but art enthusiasts determined to own a painting can expect to pay a lot less for Rolf Harris prints. Rolf Harris prints cover a range of subjects and include scenes of Venice, Westminster landscapes and portraits of Aboriginal girls. Despite dividing opinion among the art establishment, Rolf Harris is now an honorary member of the Royal Society of British Artists.
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