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.

- Carole Elliott

Born in England, I migrated to Australia in 1968 at the age of ten.I work full-time as a clerk with the State Government and I live at Lake Macquarie in New South Wales.

I completed an informal art course at Dobell House, Wangi when my youngest child was 18 months old … because I needed some ‘me’ time. My daughter is now nearly 18 years old.

I have an affinity with the ocean and I love painting the movement of waves; and trying to achieve the translucency of water.

I have an older brother who has been an artist most of his life. As a child, I always compared my artwork with his. As a result, I didn’t consider myself very good at drawing or art – and left it up to him. It wasn’t until later in life that I actually tried my hand at drawing. I have always been creative, but more along the lines of fashion. As a teenager, I used to make my own clothes.

I completed my informal art course in 1994. I didn’t like using a paintbrush so my brother encouraged me to try pastels. I have been hooked ever since and I love getting my hands dirty.

Currently, I work full-time and only paint as a hobby. Even though I have been involved in a number of exhibitions, I do not have the time or financial backing to devote myself to full-time painting. Maybe when I retire from the workforce and my two teenagers have flown the nest…