Born in Napier, Aston has painted professionally since 1960 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 many awards and has held many successful exhibitions throughout New Zealand. His paintings can be found throughout New Zealand in both private and public collections and have been bought by dignitaries and private collectors worldwide.