Mr Cranston was awarded the Monaro Services Award for outstanding service to the arts in the Monaro, one of 45 people in the region recognised for their volunteer work.

Now as president of the Queanbeyan Arts Society, Mr Cranston attributed his achievements to the people around him.

"It's not my award, it's the people that I've been involved with in the arts," he said.

Mr Cranston's love for art came when he was a councillor in Goulburn 17 years ago, and he was asked to do a painting to raise money for the arts society.

"They gave us a board and a paintbrush and some acrylic paints and gave us six weeks to go away and do something," he said.

"They said if you can't paint, just do naughts and crosses.

"Up until then, as a smart-ass man I thought I'd done everything," Mr Cranston recalled.

"So I thought I'd have a go."

He said when it came time to exhibit his work, which transformed from what he wanted to paint, a big, strong gumtree with a moving sky, to a dead tree in the desert, he felt like he was standing "in the raw" in front of a gallery full of people.

"The emotions were enormous, so I said if this art can change my hand, change my mind and show me so much emotion, I want more of it. And that's how I got into it," he said.

Mr Cranston said he's proud of the achievements he has made as president of the Queanbeyan Arts Society, where he has been for the past 10 years.

"There are more artists these days than there ever has been because people are retiring and looking for something to do, something to explore," he said.

"The arts brings companionship, as does our cottage," he said.

And Mr Cranston, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, is showing no signs of slowing down.

"It's up to the arts society if they still want me but I'm here to wear out, not rust out," he said.

Mr Cranston is also the foundation vice president of the Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Societies of Molonglo Plains, and he represents the arts on the Queanbeyan City Council cultural development committee.

Other awardees from Queanbeyan were:

Andrea Daniel - For charitable work with the Queanbeyan Walk for Babies

Elizabeth Dalman OAM - For exceptionnel service to the Performing Arts through dance; in particular her work mentoring and developing a new generation of artists.

Jade Esler - In Recognition of Great Young Entrepenurial Talent - Jade is still at school & runsher own cupcake business

Forbes Corby - For Outstanding Service to his community through a leadership at Braidwood Central School

Inga Neilsen - For Outstanding Service to his community through a leadership at Braidwood Central School

Heather Thompson - Service to Culture and Heritage

Andrea Thompson - For Outstanding Achievement in Sport

Jill Bright - Sixty years of service to the Queanbeyan Tigers Australian Football Club

Elaine Lollback - For outstanding charitable work notably the St Benedict's Community Day Centre

Heather Foggett - In recognition of  fundraising wokl for sick kids through the Capes 4 Kids Australia program

Helen Margaret Musa - Service to the Visual and Performing Arts through her role as a critic and magazine editor

Emma Luke - For charitable work in helping support the family of Tara Costigan

Cass(andra) Grame - For charitable work in helping support the family of Tara Costigan

Peter Terho - Ongoing service to Captains Flat Community through his work with various commitees including the bowling club and council committees

Greg Tarrant - Service to the Queanbeyan Community - Lions Club Queanbeyan

The Queanbeyan Players - For their incredible work bringing plays and musical theatre to the community for half a century

Lara Zelenka - Service to the Queanbeyan Community Through Charity work for volunerable women

Murray Robertson - For his quiet and Exceptional Service to the Braidwood Community through his work assisting at emergencies, rescues and fatalies 

Kelly Eagles - Service to the Queanbeyan Community - notably through her work with the Googong Field Day

Craig Kellar - Service to the Bungendore Community through his development and commitment to kids soccer

Rob Mitrevski - Service to the Queanbeyan Macedonian Community