I started painting when I retired, but did not continue with it as I took “a leave of absence” to learn how to use manual settings in digital photography. This was supposed to be for one year but easily extended over the next five years. I came back to painting as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown. It had the positive benefit of freeing up my time from my other interests. I have found that my experiences in photography have enhanced my appreciation of composition and light and I am enjoying applying these to my painting.
I have no formal training in art, so am learning as I go. Like many others, I started with acrylics. I quickly found that I enjoyed the freedom they gave me – quick to dry, easy to clean up. My studio is my dining room and not really suited to oil painting, so my brief exploration of oils did not last long.
I have recently starting working with water colours and am enjoying the fluidity and spontaneity of this wonderful medium. I am taking regular classes with John Haycraft in Sydney.
In the future I would like to explore soft pastels and do more work in mixed media.
My style at the moment is realism and recently I have found a love for the amazing shapes and contours of large fig trees.
Education and Career
- B.A. Dip.Ed - Sydney University majoring in French and German
- M.Ed. in Teaching (Computer Education) – University of NSW
I taught for 36 years. I was initially a modern language teacher, eventually taking on the role of Head Teacher. When computers became easily accessible in the home, I retrained in computing and continued my Head Teacher role in this field. I taught Computing Studies, Software Design and Development and Information Processes and Technology.
Interests
As a younger, fitter person, I played netball and basketball. My sporting interest nowadays is golf. I love reading, playing bridge and am still actively pursuing photography as a hobby. I love being able to add that art is now officially one of my main interests.