Background

I was born in Devon, England and migrated to Australia when I was five. I loved drawing, art and calligraphy from an early age and subjects chosen at school invariably were related to art.

I studied Graphic Design at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and obtained employment for many years with a busy South Melbourne printer and advertising agencies where I had the opportunity to express my artistic direction in magazines and various print media.

Artistic endeavours outside of work were placed on hold while I raised my family and worked full time, but now that I am an “empty nester”, the door was once again open for me to pursue my love of art.

Recently, I have been reacquainted with a love for acrylic painting, introduced to pastels and watercolours, and have also incorporated calligraphy in my artwork. I also love pen and ink and charcoal and will aim to do more with this media.

I have attended a number of workshops and art classes in various mediums and found them all inspirational in different ways.

I am interested in a wide range of subject matter, including my menagerie of pets – dogs (greyhounds, German Shepherd, Tibetan Spaniels), chickens, sheep and alpacas. I have a love of portraiture in pastels and acrylics and have received commissions by family and friends to have their portraits painted – for themselves and as well as their pets.

I moved to the country Lancefield about five years ago and am surrounded by the beauty of nature every day - I just need to look outside my front door!

My inspiration comes largely from the major Impressionists while endeavouring to create my own style. I like to paint detail in my pastels of animals with vibrant colours to give life to the form. Acrylics see me free to explore a looser style but still maintaining my love of bright colours. I aim to involve the viewer by focussing on creating energy in my paintings.

Art Group Memberships

Macedon Ranges Art Group
Sunbury Art Society