The Ken Done Gallery

A Contemporary Art Gallery in The Rocks

The Ken Done Gallery is at 1 Hickson Road in The Rocks, one of Sydney's most recognisable art spaces. You can rock up any day of the week between 10am and 5:30pm, and it won't cost you a thing to get in. It's a smart spot for both locals and tourists mucking about the waterfront neighbourhood, mixing art and culture with the heritage feel of The Rocks.

The place doubles as a working studio and exhibition space, which gives you a real sense of how contemporary Australian artists actually operate day to day. You're right near the Opera House, Circular Quay and the waterfront walks that make this part of town worth exploring. If you want to check out Sydney's art scene without getting lost in the big museums, this feels more genuine. You can see original paintings and limited edition prints, and actually chat to people who know the work inside out.

Colourful Landscapes and Seascapes: Realistic Painting

Done works mainly with landscapes, seascapes and coastal scenes around Australia. He paints everything from South Pacific reefs to the outback, Sydney beaches and island mornings, and he's got a real eye for how light and colour work in those spaces. What sets his paintings apart is that you get both the immediate feel of being there and something more considered underneath. The gallery stocks figurative and wildlife pieces too, but the landscapes are where his strengths really show.

His current work includes paintings like Cadmium Tree Reef (2023, oil and acrylic on linen) and Lion Fish (2021, oil on linen), with older pieces such as Butterfly Dreams (2002, acrylic on canvas) also on display. Done's been painting for decades now, always using strong, confident colour and careful observation. He works across oils, acrylics on linen, gouache and mixed media on paper.

Current Exhibition and Rotating Displays

The gallery keeps things fresh with new work rotating through the year. What's up at any moment is pulled from Done's extensive catalogue, with pieces regularly pulled from storage. Check the website or social media before you visit if you want to know what's currently hanging. Chances are you'll spot something different from one visit to the next.

His work has expanded into international fashion collaborations and sits in major Australian collections. The Art Gallery of NSW picked up 'Sunday' (1982) in 2025. He's also put out 'Poems from Home', a new book that takes his vision further, and teamed up with contemporary brands on various cross-disciplinary projects.

Limited Edition Prints and Accessible Art

{"text":"The gallery stocks limited edition prints on 100% cotton rag, acid-free textured fine art paper alongside the originals. Ken Done hand-signs and numbers each print himself. You'll find subjects ranging from reef scenes and outback landscapes to Sydney landmarks and beaches, available in various sizes and price points. This range suits all kinds of buyers, those chasing serious investment pieces and those wanting quality art that won't drain your wallet."}.

The space itself is laid out sensibly. You can walk past the large-scale originals in their full glory, then move through to the prints and merchandise. If you can't make it to The Rocks, you can order online and get work sent anywhere across Australia or overseas. It's a pretty straightforward way to sell art these days.

Planning Your Visit: Accessibility and What to Expect

The gallery runs seven days a week from 10am to 5:30pm and there's no charge to get in. You don't need to book ahead. It's at 1 Hickson Road, which is easy enough to reach by public transport or car. The Rocks has plenty of cafés and restaurants nearby, so you can easily spend the whole day in the area. The staff know their stuff and are happy to chat about Ken's technique or what he's painted, and they'll help you out if you're keen to buy something.

{"text":"Ken Done's work has struck a chord with people across Australia and around the world for years now. His seascapes and the way he handles colour make the gallery worth checking out. The gallery's still very much part of Sydney's art scene and worth a visit if you're in the area."}.