His daughter suggested doing some paintings and having a show which was the genesis of the renowned Australian film director's show to open this week (March 23) at Dungog Contemporary Art Gallery.

Lawrence has created a series of landscapes to celebrate the natural beauty and of our countryside called A Drive In the Country.

"People pass through Dungog, Walcha, Uralla and Gloucester and buy petrol, a coffee or a trinket or two," he said.

"But with the cycle of drought, flood and economic downturn, it would be good to draw attention to these towns and create a show that would stir interest and support for this beautiful corner of Australia.

"I needed to imagine a story in the landscape - what happened here? What could happen? And without being too pointed, withholding just enough, I could hopefully pull the viewer into the pictures so they could make the stories their own."

Lawrence, who is best known as the award winning director of Australian films Bliss, Jindabyne and Lantana is no stranger to Dungog with his support and screenings at previous Dungog film festivals.

"I was a painter before I started making films," he said.

Ray studied painting at Adelaide Art School and began to make a name for himself in the world of commercial art, before moving into film and establishing one of Australia's most successful film production companies. 

In the mid 1980s he made Bliss, from the breakthrough novel by Booker Prize winning author Peter Carey. The film was critically acclaimed and nominated for the prestigious Cannes Palme d'or.

In the following years, Lawrence forged a reputation as one of Australia's most important Australian directors with his films Lantana and Jindabyne.

Throughout his commercial and feature film work, he continued to paint portraits and has been a finalist in the Archibald and semi finalist in the Moran art prize.

Lawrence's love of landscape is a recurring theme of his films and it seems only natural that his keen eye and passion for this country has translated into this series of oil paintings.

Ray is joined in this show by Orange watercolour artist Emily Imeson.

Her exhibition, "Memories of Place" was created during her recent travels through Western Australia and reflects her deep connection with this sublime environment.

This co-showing promises to be the latest in a run of successful openings by Dungog Contemporary. Curators Steven and Sarah Hobbs opened their gallery and cultural exchange in 2017 and have established a reputation for their support of emerging and established Australian artists.

"In turn, it is fitting that Lawrence is able to express his support for the local community here," said Sarah.

"Everyone who ventures out on a drive in the autumn country to Dungog and the Bucketts Way in the next few weeks will be well rewarded with some beautiful scenery and inspirational art."

A Drive in the Country runs from March 23 at Dungog Contemporary, 150 Dowling St Dungog. More information at www.dungogcontemporary.com.au