Unique paintings of Queensland’s idyllic Magnetic Island are making their way into homes around the world.

Grey nomad John Pavart began painting vibrant, tropical landscapes on coconut shells from the popular tourist island’s beaches at the end of last year.

“I just happened to have a bit of art gear on me and thought I’d pick one up and paint it,” he said.

In less than a year, the former NSW Lightning Ridge opal miner painted more than 750 coconuts.

Many painted shells have since travelled across the globe, carried by the tourists who found them hidden around the region.

“Lots of people have found one and it puts a smile on someone’s face,” Mr Pavart said.

“People know to keep their eyes out for them when they come over to the island.”

Mr Pavart, who has lived on the island for two years, hides the artworks around his local beaches and the Townsville region for people to find and keep.

“I take photo clues and leave them on a Facebook group and make it like a little free treasure hunt,” he said.

“All the locals get involved — they get kids to come around and hide them for people to find.

“It’s just a really good community activity.”

Mr Pavart’s painted coconuts are so popular that he often has to search Queensland’s mainland for more shells.

“Between me, the cockies and the rats, we’ve cleaned the island up just about,” he said.

Mr Pavart said he would continue creating free art as long as he finds coconut shells to paint. 

“I couldn’t imagine life without it,” he said.