Frederic Bates, born in 1918 in New South Wales, was a distinguished Australian artist and administrator. Educated in Sydney and Newcastle, he became well-known for his landscape paintings. Throughout his career, Bates won numerous prestigious awards, including the Wynne Prize in 1965. As President of the Australian Watercolour Institute, he expanded its membership and organized national and international exhibitions. Bates was a prominent figure in the Royal Art Society of New South Wales and held honorary membership in the American Watercolour Society. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed rugby, golf, and pétanque. His work is featured in the Art Gallery of New South Wales and various regional collections. Bates was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his contributions to the arts. He passed away in 2009.