Joshua McPherson began formal training at The Julian Ashton Art School in Sydney’s historic Rocks area. Inspired by his desire to undertake further specialised studies in the principles of realist classical drawing and painting, he travelled to Florence Italy in 2005 joining the prestigious Florence Academy of Art where he completed a Diploma of Fine Arts in 2008.
Joshua has received numerous awards throughout his career. Most recently, he received the Kilgour Art Prize ‘Peoples’ Choice’ award for two consecutive years with his ‘Portrait of Pete’ in 2019, and ‘Portrait of Meg’ in 2020. He also exhibited as a finalist in the Doug Moran portrait prize in 2018 and 2015, and in AGNSW’s Archibald in 2013. In 2013 he was a finalist in the Adelaide Perry Drawing Prize, and in 2012 – a finalist in the EMSIA Still Life Award. In 2010 he was the winner of the A.M.E. Bale Travelling Scholarship. During his study at the Julian Ashton Art School and the Florence Academy, Joshua was the recipient of numerous awards and scholarships including the painting of the year award in 2008 at the Florence Academy.
Joshua has exhibited in Florence, Italy and in group exhibitions in London and the United States.
Joshua began teaching after attending the Julian Ashton Art School, and assumed a teaching position at the Florence Academy for multiple years following the completion of his Diploma of Fine Arts.
Since returning to Australia Joshua has taught privately at various institutions in Sydney, including where he currently teaches at Waverley Woollahra Art School. Joshua also continues to work on his own professional art practice.
