Ion Brown began painting for an enjoyable hobby rather than as a professional career, however his early success combined with his love of the painting process led him to discard engraving and continue painting on a full-time basis.

Beginning with still lifes, Ion became inspired by the local landscape and his paintings increasingly became focused on his surroundings, which now comprise the majority of his oeuvre. Ion currently exhibits on an annual basis while his wife runs the engraving business.

From 1990 to 2001, Ion Brown was the official New Zealand Army Artist, during which time he worked in both Malaysia (1989) and Gallipoli (1990). He most recently visited Crete with the official party marking the 50th Anniversary of ...