My artistic journey started many years ago. Even as a child, I created “masterpieces” using old house paint. By my early thirties, I dabbled in watercolours, Oilbars, Oils and Pen-and-Ink. During that time, I was fortunate to be able to take lessons from some very good artists. They were professionally trained and acclaimed nationally in Australia. Unfortunately, life intervened, until my later years.
I now have the time to explore and express my work. Apart from Oils, my main passion is for Soft Pastels, with short forays into watercolour or pen sketching. I have discovered the joy and frustration of Plein Aire painting, trying to capture both the scene and essence of light and wide landscapes.
Over the last few years, especially following retirement, I have found much more time to develop my skills. Personally, I think I have improved, but I am also my own hardest critic, which makes it hard to be objective. Better art materials, time and practice have all helped. I built my own easel, which has enabled me to have a sturdy, reliable support. My Plein Aire work is often without an easel, just sitting in nature. I haven’t found support that can stand up to the heavy marks I sometimes make.
More recently I have been trying different size artworks, each designed to test my skills. From 9×5 inch, ATC (2.5×3.5 inch) and on up to larger works, 30x40cm or 40x50cm or larger, depending on the availability of quality paper for pastels.