At the age af 17, he became a station cadet (Jackeroo) and later a station hand on large properties in New South Wales before a period of dairy farming in Victoria. He was fortunate to have entered the farming scene when horses, cross cut saws & hand milking were still part of the rural way of life, before automation changed the pace of what was once a much more peaceful existence?albeit more strenuous. It was these experiences & his interrelating with the "Bush", at its more romantic stage that formed memories he would always hold dear. The call of the outback then sent him on further exploits around Australia as a contract fencer on large stations and other farms.

After an accident David was obliged to use what talents he had as a self-taught artist, and it was at this point that he was able to draw on his affinity with the country he had gotten to know so well. He soon gained a favourable reputation for his sketches and watercolour paintings - many of which have found their way all over the world.