Floral Fantasies

A retired lady in Queensland who describes herself as a hobby artist loves to create beautiful and bright paintings featuring flowers – in a wide range of mediums.

- Trevor Lang

Patricia Williams readily admits that she has had no formal background in art, although she loved to draw as a child many years ago. She did not study art at school – she has simply developed her creative skills by learning from books and observing the work of other people.

After leaving school at the age of 15, this lady trained in the Public Service and became a secretary. She married young and raised a large family; simultaneously completing nursing and midwifery training in her late twenties. Circumstances led to her remarrying before she was blessed with another daughter (together with several stepchildren). During all those busy years she was primarily occupied with work and had no time for hobbies apart from reading.

“When I retired in my fifties, I decided that I needed to fill some time,” Patricia says. “I did a JP course, and began to wonder what to do next. I had only two children and my husband at home. My daughter had just commenced University studies, and she encouraged me to do a Science Degree. I graduated in Geology at the age of 60.”

Patricia Williams has also done a lot of travelling around Australia, and developed a fondness for painting the Outback.

Art for this busy lady, however, came into her life by accident.

“One day I bought some pastels, paper and an elementary ‘how to’ book at a sale – intending to give these items to one of my grandchildren,” she reveals. “I had a go, got hooked; and here I am now! I also paint in acrylics and water-soluble oils. Painting is very relaxing for me.”