But now the artist, who is also a practicing doctor, has found his rhythm. 

Dr Anderson is a recent addition to the Bowral St medical practice, where he works as a general practitioner for three days a week.

He devotes the rest of his time to creativity. 

His latest work, ‘Studies from the Studio’ is currently on display at Ten Thousand Paces gallery. 

It features an eclectic array of works, including bird studies, nudes, depictions of Africa and Provence and a series based on the Monaro area, where he had a farm for several years. 

The artworks are presented as sketches, lithographs, gouache works and oil paintings.

Described by Dr Anderson as “studies”, the works are those that he has created as part of his regular practice, in between working toward a “big thematic series”. 

“It’s deliberately non thematic. I wanted to show people what artists go through and the range of ideas they explore when they work up to a big exhibit,” he said. 

Raised in Africa, Dr Anderson initially studied environmental science and spent four years as a working artist in New Zealand before committing to medicine. 

While studying, he continued to exhibit his artwork, wrote books on child health and cosmetic surgery, and also produced two award-winning films.

Dr Anderson said his art is influeced by a colourful combination of cultures and artistic genres.

“I was repelled by the apartheid system and left for New Zealand in 1982, where I experienced a truly open society for the first time,” he said. 

“But artistically I could not ignore my African roots and I have had to find my own voice somewhere between European and African traditions.”

It is the natural world between these two traditions, however, that has provided the most sustained inspiration for Dr Anderson’s work.

“A lot of modern art is urban in style, but I like to get out in the wild. And I think humans need to do that before we lose sight of our place in nature.”

Studies from the Studio is on display at Ten Thousand Paces in Springetts Arcade until October 27.