Mr Shinnick passed away in 2009 amidst the development of his first major exhibition since 1994.

The exhibition was 20 years in the making and is presented by family on behalf of Mr Shinnick in the hope they will bring a glimmer of light to the community.

Mr Shinnick was self-taught artist who was a late comer to art, picking up a brush and painting his first piece in 1986.

Mr Shinnick went on to paint over many years and has built up a collection of unique and varied artworks consisting of a range of impressionist bright landscapes, bordering on abstract styles and expressionist pieces.

An individualist, Mr Shinnick was an artist who couldn't be defined by any one category of art.

"I don't paint green fields. I paint feelings. Every one of my paintings is part of me," he siad.

"It is a bit hard to let go of them, because everyone has been an experience. When people buy them and take them they are taking a part of me."

During his lifetime, the former Australian Federal Police Officer had several major solo exhibitions, and exhibited alongside other Australian artists including Pro Hart.

In the early 1990s, one of his paintings was chosen as the first in a collection of local artworks being established by the ACT Government.

His last solo exhibition was in Canberra in 1994, showing 130 paintings opened by Australian cricketers Ian Healy and Steve Waugh.

Join Graham's family at the official opening at The Q Exhibition Space on April 21, from 6pm - 8pm.