David Manning B.A., F.C.I.I.
David has had a passion for military vehicles since he was a child. Born in the UK, he spent his late childhood, teens and twenties in central and southern Africa. There he became fascinated with the home-grown vehicle designs which emerged to combat the landmine and ambush threats of the regional guerrilla wars. He migrated to Australia with his family 25 years ago.David took up drawing as a hobby some 8 years ago and, because of his interest in vehicles used by the military and emergency services, they became the preferred subjects of his sketches. Each drawing is highly detailed, researched in depth, and takes up to 70 hours to complete.
"I like the power and the utilitarian ruggedness of specialised all-terrain vehicles," he says. "Drawing them gives me the opportunity to accompany crews on exercises as an observer, and to visit manufacturers. I meet a lot of friendly, helpful, interesting and dedicated people - including a few real characters!"
David has forged strong links with the military and emergency services, and has a son flying with the RAAF.
