The Art of Eltham

A small country town in Victoria is home to this clever lady who likes to do some form of creative work each day … evening if that simply means reading a book about art.

Iwas born in Swan Hill in Victoria. I attended the local primary school. I later went to Swan Hill High School where I was fortunate to have an art teacher who was happy to let me explore my painting, and encouraged me to develop my own style.

After I left school, I moved to Melbourne to study nursing. I did not know it at the time, but I was not destined to return to art until after retirement.

I spent some time living at Nelson Bay and at Darwin; then returned to Melbourne to have a family and continue working.

Upon retiring, I moved to Phillip Island where I was able to attend art classes.

A six week drawing class started me on the way to exploring other mediums.

A course in watercolours, calligraphy and pastels followed.

The wonderful vibrant colours of pastels invigorated me and encouraged me to learn all I could. I joined a group, and once a month we met to display our work whiling sharing ideas and tips.

Fourteen years ago, I moved to Eltham where I joined a local art group and started to exhibit at various Lions Club and Rotary Club art shows.

A local shopping strip invites artists within our community to display their work in shop windows … and it also hosts a day for artists to set up their easels and paint in the street. It is a good experience and a wonderful atmosphere.

I enjoy painting flowers – but I need to keep challenging myself. Birds, animals and jazz bands are my favourite subjects. I find that painting elephants is quite emotional for me, and I always hope I can capture their spirit.

I try to go to as many exhibitions as possible, and I appreciate the journeys people have made to create their paintings.

There is a group of friends who paint with me at my house these days. We all use different mediums. We share ideas and resource new materials.

I have been a member of the Victorian Pastel Society, the Diamond Valley Art Society and the Whitehorse Art Group.

Until I learned ‘when to stop’, I had many painting disasters. Now, if I’m not happy, I walk away and leave the work for as long as it takes to change direction.

I have my own collection of paintings in storage – although some hang in my home and my family members are welcome to have their choice.

There are several well known artists who inspire me. I truly enjoy the paintings of Tom Roberts and Monet.

I usually like to do some form of art each day. It may be merely reading a magazine or an art book. I also have the easel within sight all of the time so I can continue painting whenever I like. My sketch book is a constant companion.

Asking questions of other artists benefits my own progress. I greatly value understanding the emotional journey … and enjoying the ride. ■