Born in Napier in 1921, Aston Greathead has painted since the 1960s. Works have been produced in New Zealand, England, Hong Kong, Singapore, Borneo, Fiji and the Pacific Islands. He is recognised for his ability to portray diverse subjects with both watercolour and oil mediums.

He paints traditional, figurative works that vary in detail depending on their subject. Living in the seacoast town of Kaikoura for seventeen years provided the inspiration for painted scenes of the surrounding rugged coastline and mountains.

Aston has won numerous art awards.