When Fairfax Media spoke to him in June he had just come down from the boom operator after almost five hours up painting.

John and fellow artist Bob Barrett have been creating the mural since Monday using spray guns and paint brushes.

At the time of the interview the artists were halfway into day three and expect to finish the mural later next week.

They have been getting to the site at 8am and working through to about 5:30pm every day since commencing and the only thing they’ve had to work against are the elements, particularly the cold mornings and wind.

Adversity struck John only a month ago when his beloved art gallery in Lightning Ridge burnt down.

While the building couldn’t be saved, the courageous locals of Lightning Ridge rallied together to rescue his artworks.

“A tragedy” was how John described the fire destroying his gallery, but said the mural he is currently creating has helped take his mind off of things.

Including the galahs, which John said represent community, the artwork once finished will feature fence posts to signify the rural aspect of Coonamble, plus the sun, moon and Southern Cross.

Aboriginal dreamtime artwork will also feature on the water tank, by local artist ‘Sooty’ Walsh.

John said that by having all of the different elements on the mural really encompasses the town of Coonamble, past, present and future.

After going through all of the formal channels with the local Council for approval, who have even helped fund his venture by paying for the paint and equipment, the project is nearly complete.

John said the water tank, which is situated at Coonamble’s sportsground, was decommissioned a few years ago and was going to be taken down, but that Council decided against it.

While the artists have been creating projects for over 25 years, this is the first time they have ever done anything on this scale or this high.

“Neither of us have been so high up before,” John said.

Although he was a little afraid of just how high he would go, John said he conquered any height fears he had.

John said he’d already had travellers stop and ask about the mural, which he says is great for the local economy,

“It’s really made an impact,” he said.

“People camp here while on their way to Lightning Ridge and will have this to look at.” 

John’s inspiration for the colourful mural came from a visit to Melbourne when he was walking through the CBD and saw all of the famous street art.

He said the community support and pride has been “humbling.”

But he says he “just likes to paint and paint everyday”, so the project really has been a win-win for everyone.

“I just want to thank the Coonamble community for letting me do this,” he said.

John was also appreciative of the help from Dubbo’s Josh McGovern who came down with the boom operator.