John Vander, born in 1945 in the coal-mining town of Marcinelle, Belgium, migrated to Australia in 1969. Initially visiting "to have a look," he fell in love with the country and its people, and his passion for Australia remains strong decades later. Despite his early calling for art, John’s journey to becoming a full-time artist in 1976 included stints as a French Foreign Legion commander, crop-dusting pilot, and finance professional. With his wife Frances's support, he pursued his passion for painting.

John’s fresh perspective as an immigrant allows him to vividly capture the nostalgic charm of 19th-century Australian towns, making his work highly acclaimed. His meticulous approach to painting, likened to portraiture, involves detailed sketches of every building in a scene. His works, celebrated in greeting cards, prints, calendars, and books, have earned him widespread recognition, including royal patronage and corporate collections.

John's paintings are cherished worldwide, with notable collectors including King Charles and Kerry Packer. His versatile works of seascapes, landscapes, polo games, and street scenes celebrate Australia’s pioneer past, securing his reputation as one of the country's most sought-after artists