In 1905, Sturgess enrolled in the art schools at the National Gallery of Victoria, with the help of novelist and Williamstown local Ada Cambridge, who had noticed his artistic talents.
[1] There, Sturgess studied drawing under Frederick McCubbin in the School of Design, and from 1909, painting under Lindsay Bernard Hall.
[1] It was successful, pleasing collectors and critics, who were impressed with his poetic (as opposed to realistic) approach, and his convincing depiction of atmospheric effects.
[1] Sturgess exhibited regularly in Melbourne, at the Athenaeum in 1923 and 1924, and following that at the gallery of the Victorian Fine Art Society.
These exhibitions were also successful, Sturgess was injured in a car accident in 1926, breaking his jaw, and although he recovered his health was affected.