I first picked up a paintbrush about 10 years ago when I attended a short session at a Folk Art store and I painted a standing Santa. I then pursued Folk Art for about 18 months, once a week under the guidance of Nita Keys at Nabiac and sometimes guest tutors. I always traced, then painted, other people’s designs and believed myself unable to draw or compose my own work. I called Folk Art – “colouring in for grown-ups” – because you are introduced to it as a matter of technique with various brushes and stroke work, and often you are also given the colours to use.

I stopped painting and other craft pursuits after incurring an injury in 1999/2000 and it wasn’t until springtime 2008 when, inspired by nature, I picked up the brush again, but to my mind, it was the first time as an artist.

I joined the Parramatta Art Society as an “Exhibiting Member” in December 2008 with two paintings done – thought it would motivate me to do more if I had an expectation of exhibiting. I put some work into the April Winston Hills exhibit and very much enjoyed the experience of being around other people who enjoy what they do. I learnt so much. Now that I have “put it out there” I feel more relaxed and am just focussed on learning as I am such a beginner in so many ways. I commenced Life Drawing classes in February and also attend Brian’s class at his home studio once a week. I paint at home as often as I can – never often enough! And I’m trying all sorts of paints and techniques.

I feel like I’ve finally come into my own and am doing what I always wanted to, but for various reasons, didn’t pursue until now. It’s like coming home. (and it turns out, I can draw and paint and compose….)