Christopher Orr was born in Melbourne in 1945. He spent his formative years in South East Melbourne before commencing study in print and graphic design in 1961 at Caulfield Technical College (now Monash School of Art) completing a Diploma of Art in 1964. As a commercial artist he practiced designing, illustrating and painting prior to leaving for Europe in 1970.

His working holiday consisted of 3½ years as a designer/illustrator in Norway, before moving to London to head a small design practice in Kensington for a further 2½ years. Upon his return to Australia in 1976, he and three associate designer/artists set up a design group consulting to some of Australia's largest corporations, private companies and government agencies over an 18-year period.

"I feel inspired to paint that 'play of light', to capture that moment - mine being an emotional response to the subject matter. What I call the 'land's hidden poetry' the unseen, ineffable elements of memory, emotion, association, and the passage of time. When the artist infuses a subject with these qualities by means of composition, colour and form, the result is more often a record of his own inner state. Art speaks to the viewer on a personal level.  I have a love for both Figurative art and Landscape painting. At times combining the two." - Chris Orr.

Chris along with his family have travelled extensively in Asia, Europe and America.

 

2003 Marine Art Competition -runner up

2004 John Glover Landscape prize -a finalist

2004 Hobart Rotary Charity Art Show -'Peoples' Choice' Award

2005 'First Impressions,' Solo show at the Tasmania Shop and Gallery, Hobart

2005 TasArt/City of Burnie Show -Winner of the Patron's Award.

2006 John Glover Landscape prize -a finalist

2006 'Innervisions,' Solo show at the Tasmania Shop and Gallery,

2007 'Precious moments, 'Solo show at the Tasmania Shop and Gallery

2007 Bayside Art Show - Best Contemporary Painting Award

2007 Brighton Art Society - Best Landscape Painting Award

2008 ‘Duet’, joint show at the Tasmania Shop and Gallery

2010 'Two part harmony", joint show at the Tasmania Shop and Gallery
2010 Pathways into the landscape Group show in Maryborough 

2012 Group 9x5 Group exhibition' in Central Goldfields Gallery

2013 Group show 'Small treasures, big ideas' 

2015 Group exhibition at Original Oz gallery in Melbourne

2017 Solo exhibition at Gallery 127, Avoca