John Olsen was born in NSW in 1928. And lived in Bondi at the age of seven. Olsen studied at the Julian Ashton and Orban Schools of Art he also studied in Europe. as well as in Paris and in Spain.

The National Gallery of Victoria purchased his work in 1955 which maybe started he public career. Since then he had many solo exhibitions in Sydney and Melbourne. 

From 1969 after returning from working overseas Olsen lived in an artists colony, outside Melbourne, working with Clifton Pugh, Fred Williams, Albert Tucker and others.

He has been awarded many prizes and awards including an OBE in 1977 and a major retrospective of his work travelled the country in 1991-92.

He is represented in the National Gallery of Australia and all state galleries, many regional galleries and private and corporate collections both in Australia and overseas.

John Olsen is one of Australia most collectable artists.