Melbourne in Victoria was my birthplace. I have spent 34 years in Tasmania, however – where I did most of my painting. I moved to Ultima in Victoria (in the Mallee) one year ago, after my husband died. The town is located 30 kilometres from Swan Hill with a population of 61. I work every day painting, studying or reading about art in my studio at my home.
Before I became ill, I lived in Tasmania at Murdunna and I worked at the Port Arthur Historic Site for many years. After the massacre of 28 April 1996, I became very ill with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder which is a debilitating mental illness. I had a mental breakdown. I was very sick for years. Because this illness is incurable, I have to live with it every day. Management of the sickness and medication is the only way to have any control over my life.
My painting has become most important to me, and I am truly fortunate to have such an outlet. I study art and I want to learn and develop my art to become more proficient; and more able to help others to enjoy the great pleasure that painting can give them.
I have not had formal art training other than Year 11 and 12 Art as a mature age student – but I have painted from my earliest memory, on everything and anything I could get my hands on. I have worked with a few rather well known artists in Tasmania.
I am passionate about colour and its behaviour when mixed; also the effects made possible by experimenting with colours, particularly the colours of the Australian Outback, the bush and farming … in every painting I want to venture in and wonder what is going on. Hopefully viewers of my work want to join me and take adventures to see over many horizons.
This story is from the No 172 edition of Artists Palette.
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This story is from the No 172 edition of Artists Palette.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Eye of Observation
Draw, draw, and draw some more; develop your artist’s eye of observation. Sterling advice from a lady who believes that seeing shapes in paintings requires a truly ‘arty’ eye.
Pelicans To Portraits
This lady has painted everything from pelicans to portraits. She has completed commissions including cats, dogs, horses, possums, numerous beach scenes … and even a Scottish piper.
Gregory John Brennan: Lost Profession
Looking back on his early career as a bulldozer driver, this rural New South Wales painter laments the days when he was too young to appreciate his outstanding potential as an artist.
Pastels: Once We Were Important
A simplified and well named painting tells a powerful and interesting story. This clever pastel artist is delighted to share her techniques for the benefit of others.
Fibre Art
This artist feels that the hardest lesson she had to learn was to believe in herself … and once she did that, everything started to fall into place and her confidence grew.
Water Lily Magic
Instead of paper and paint, this artist uses fabric and threads … and she uses a sewing machine instead of a brush. The textures, colours and prints of fabrics thrown together with threads fascinate her, and often give inspiration for her designs.
Loading Wheat – 1920s
It is rare to see an artist displaying this level of skill and understanding in capturing the activity and atmosphere of bygone days from Australia’s agricultural history.
‘Jama' – King Cheetah
This exquisitely talented lady believes that every artist has failures … but it is important to remember that every success is better than the one before.
Blahuta's Ute
Early in the year we ran a feature about ‘Utes in the Paddock’ – a landmark project by several notable artists. In this article, one of those artists shares his story and some of his views … and describes the process of creating his own piece of an amazing collaborative work.
Artists' Easels
Many important tools are employed by artists in creating their paintings. Artists’ easels are now available in a host of styles and configurations to enhance the creative process. Some of your favourite art materials suppliers are more than pleased to highlight a selection of the many products being offered.
