Growing up on the Bouddi Peninsula, Kincumber artist Jordan Richardson began his love affair with oil painting at just 15 years old. Heavily influenced by the Baroque period, he is particularly known for his portraiture, which has seen him a two-time finalist in the Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship and three-time finalist in the Archibald Prize. Graduating with Honours from the National Art School, Jordan has appeared locally in exhibitions such as the Gosford Art Prize and enjoyed a long-standing tenure at Surry Hills gallery, Michael Reid Sydney, since 2016 and is on the judging panel for the Bouddi Foundation for Arts, a foundation awarding grants to local artists.

We caught up with Jordan so he could paint us a picture of his Central Coast…

What does a typical day on the Central Coast look like for you?

Usually I head to the studio after getting up, and when confronted with yesterday’s efforts I may be either in a spot of trouble or in a good place to continue. I may go for a climb at Pulse Climbing in West Gosford if I’m feeling so inclined. Then I’ll probably go for a walk with my wife before sunset. Eat, sleep, repeat.

What is your favourite local spot to stop for coffee?

Looloo’s Coffee Shack at Macmasters Beach – it's close by my house and they make great coffee, which comes direct from their local warehouse in Kincumber too.

Where do you like to go for a drink?

The Block ’n’ Tackle Brewery is a microbrewery and tasting taproom in Kincumber, with occasional live music and great choice of beers on draught. In terms of their offering, the Rip Bridge Golden Ale and Rock Lily Pale Ale are my favourite choices.

What local restaurant do you love dining at?

I love Sea Bay Chinese Restaurant at Terrigal for their steamed dumplings, which are always fresh and taste incredible.

Do you have a favourite local producer on the Coast?

Distillery Botanica, for sure. Their Moore’s Gin is superb. If you haven’t tasted Mr Black, their coffee liqueur, poured over ice cream then I don’t know what you’re doing!

What is your go-to outdoor experience?

My favourite thing to do in the great outdoors is to go rock climbing. With its beautiful sandstone landscapes and stunning views, the Central Coast is filled with good spots for climbing, such as Lara Street Boulders in Koolewong and Road House in Woy Woy. I also love to bushwalk. My favourite trail is the one leading to Box Head Lookout along the Bouddi Peninsula headland, but you can’t go wrong with any of the walks available in Bouddi National Park.

Do you have a favourite art gallery on the Central Coast?

Of course I have to recommend Gosford Regional Gallery. Curator Sarah Samild is its lifeblood, putting on exhibitions that are both beautiful and ambitious. I’d also recommend Paul Macklin’s Art Farm Studio and Gallery. Paul runs workshops, private classes, exhibitions and a wonderful discussion group weekly all from his place at Macmasters Beach. Definitely worth checking out if you want to tap into part of the Central Coast art community.

Where is the first local place you would take a visitor?

Probably Putty Beach. Most people who visit want to go to “the beach” and I can’t think of one that’s more picturesque than Putty Beach on the Peninsula, surrounded by national park.

Do you have a local secret you’d be willing to share?

If you want some beautiful flowers, visit Piccolo Pear at East Gosford. I often find myself painting flowers and with the grandeur of their roses and gorgeous natives, you can’t go wrong. And, if you’re looking for a walk with the highest effort to reward ratio, look no further than the trail to Bullimah Outlook. I proposed to my wife at one of the lookouts along the trail!