The Portrait Painter

After sampling a number of subjects and mediums, Marjie was drawn to portraits, using pastels and oil to create her works of art.

One day while having lunch with friends at an artist cottage, I saw people enjoying art lessons on the veranda. I knew instantly that was where I wanted to be, having always loved drawing and arty crafts. That was nearly three years ago; at first, all that I wanted to paint was anything to do with water especially beautiful waves. My teacher encouraged me to look outside the square and do a portrait. I didn’t really think it was my thing at all, but it has turned out to be my passion. I just love seeing the face come to life. The first medium I worked in was graphite and then I graduated to acrylics and pastels and now I am enjoying oil. Pastels and oil are my preferred mediums.

Encouraging me along the way I’ve had great teachers who have shown me some wonderful techniques and inspired me to try different things. I encourage anyone who has a desire to do art to seek out workshops and give it a go.

This year I entered two exhibitions, at the last one in September I had the pleasure of selling a painting to an art gallery owner in Japan who is returning at the end of the year to buy more. I must admit to feeling a bit of sadness when I sell a painting, as I consider them as part of my family.