Reinvention and “light bulb moments”
My interest in painting has been ongoing since my early years. I suffered in school and was labelled as a slow learner, which held me back academically until I was told it was more than likely I had dyslexia. I was a visual learner and did well at any practical subject, art being one of those. I was desperate to go to Art College but had no idea what course I should take. Instead, I knew I needed variety; I was incapable of undertaking positions where routine was the key to success, such as office work. So, I became a beauty therapist. Reshaping brows and painting nails, wedding makeup and massage. I could be creative.
Many years, many jobs, one husband and two children later, I rekindled my love of painting. I went to painting night classes and went to work for an artist, who inspired me with her work ethic and her talent. I went from watercolour and brushes, to acrylic and card, sticks and fingers. There did come a “light bulb moment”, when I knew this need to paint wasn’t just a casual interest, I wanted to be totally immersed in the art world. I showed my work at Brighton and Hove Open Houses, Worthing Art Gallery and I took part in the original Water Colour challenge on Channel 4.
“There did come a “light bulb moment”, when I knew this need to paint wasn’t just a casual interest, I wanted to be totally immersed in the art world.”
Aged 53, I was accepted onto a part-time foundation course at City College, Brighton, which led to a BA honours degree at The University of Brighton but not in painting!!! I was told I was a maker not a painter. I was making three dimensional objects from wood, metal, ceramics, and plastic. Once I had graduated, I went back to painting. Bizarre!
I have reinvented my style many times, there is nothing better than finding new inspiration. I love colour and texture, minimal detail but lots of mark making. I love the shapes of the countryside, the swirls of paths, straight lines within woodland and the mathematics of perspective. Sometimes I just like to close my eyes and paint abstracts which evolve over time through layer after layer of paint.
I am constantly learning and embracing new techniques. Another more recent “light bulb moment”, was going to West Dean for two abstract landscape courses. With total immersion in the subject, no household distractions, I came away so much more confident and produced a body of work I am proud of.
I have started going into the countryside with a sketchbook and use charcoal to make very quick sketches. It’s less about detail and more about the drama that light and shade play in creating the landscape.
I like instant results and as yet have never tried oils, as I don’t have the patience to wait for work to dry. I have a studio at home that is my happy place. Music sets the mood and can have a big influence in which way my work will go.
Shoreham Art Gallery has been the perfect outlet for my work and my need to engage with customers. Our work is constantly being repositioned to give pieces a different aspect and shows them to their best advantage.
