I'm still getting used to calling myself an artist. Until 6 years ago, I hadn't attempted to draw or paint a picture since I was in high school in the mid 1960's! But then a strange thing started to happen: I began to look at things differently; I started to really notice colours and appreciate scenery in a different way, and I realised that I was starting to think "I'd really like to be able to paint that". So I went to an art shop, bought myself a basic watercolour set and some paper, and gave it a go. I began by trying to mix particular colours and found that it came quite easily, and I really enjoyed it. So then I got braver and tried to copy from photos taken by my husband, Mark. I'm fortunate that he has a great eye for composition and light, so I have learned about these aspects from attempting to copy the scenes in his photos. Since then I have read a lot, been to workshops and spent time with my brother Chris, who is a UK based watercolour artist, my good friend Allie Eagle, who is an inspiring artist to hang out with, as well as working with local artists in Whangamata.

A major development occurred for me in 2007, when I spent 8 wonderful days at The Quarry Arts Centre in Whangarei, attending their Summer Do workshops. Our tutor was Jane Zusters, who is a great teacher. She's supportive, passionate and challenging, and seems to have sharp antenna for pushing the right buttons in her students! I found out that there are no mistakes - just learning opportunities, and I gave myself permission to take risks and just have fun. I also worked with acrylics for the first time, and once I got used to the major differences from watercolour, I really enjoyed the depth you can achieve from multi-layering, and different types of mark making. I came away with a series of 6 small works on board, and one large canvas, as well as lots of ideas and materials which I have since been putting to good use. 

Allie Eagle suggested to me last year that maybe my best option for learning was to become 'a workshop junkie'. I think she's right. So I'm now always looking forward to the next opportunity to make mistakes and learn from them.

In January, 2008, I went to another fantastic Summer Do 8-day workshop at The Quarry, this time with abstract painter James Lawrence. James is a wonderful teacher, and our group was firing from the first morning. James managed to impart a huge amount of information without really 'lecturing', and most of the learning was from hands on demonstration. It seemed I was able to go from a complete 'abstract ignorant' at the start of the week, to having reasonable confidence in my ability to produce something interesting, and having some idea of how to critique abstract paintings by the end of the week. Not bad, I reckon! I came home with several pictures I'm really proud of, and even managed to sell one after our group 'exhibition' on the last day. Came away with the beginnings of an understanding of abstract art, and a definite desire to 'give it a go' myself. Have very much enjoyed the explorations so far.

Had a hugely inspiring trip to Europe in the (Northern) summer of 2008- oh, the galleries of London and Paris! Enough to keep me striving and experimenting for years to come!

Sketching in a Paris garden, July 2008

January 2009

Have just come back from Summer Do 09 at The Quarry Arts Centre. A very challenging and productive week with two great tutors, Sue Daly and Marie Wilson. Learned some new techniques and had lots of individual tuition and guidance, not just about techniques, but also looking at where I might be heading, and what I need to do to get there. A good start to my painting year!