Artist's Statement

When I think of what painting has done for me I see that it has added a NEW DIMENSION to my life. One I never imagined.

With the rigours of parenting decreasing the time was right to pursue the notion which had been developing in the back of my mind for a couple of years, that I learn to paint. I researched local possibilities, enrolling at the Pepper Street Gallery under the tuition of Mary Milton a well respected artist specialising in watercolours although she teaches a variety of mediums.

I chose to paint with acrylics as I had no experience with painting and felt they would be more forgiving as I had no idea if I had any artistic talent. So armed with basic paints, canvas, brushes and a couple of silk poppies I arrived at my first lesson. It did not take long to realise that better quality materials are an asset, so I quickly replaced my initial purchases with quality products. In more recent years I have added oils to my repertoire.

Having listened carefully to Mary I progressed rapidly and surprised myself with the paintings I was producing. If I had been such an attentive student at school who knows where it may have led me.

I work with a basic palette enjoying creating the colours with which I paint. I use a variety of mediums and have more recently added a palette knife to my repertoire. I enjoy the challenge of painting diverse subjects: the curves of flowers and fruit, but also the precision of straight lines and angles of buildings and structures. I have become more observant: is there pink in the clouds? What about the interesting textures and colours of bark!

I have had personalised blank greeting cards printed to enable me to make my own greeting cards with photos of my art depicted on the front. I have enjoyed using them and giving sets of cards to friends as gifts. I now have a full range of cards available for sale.

A bonus to the classes has been the friendships which have been formed between the students. We appreciate each others talents and often meet socially.

My son Marty, studied art at school and has been very supportive and a gentle critic. His business has set up this website for me. Should you wish for a similar website, you can contact Marty at Mity Digital.