I have always scribbled even before school age, as well as making numerous figures out of plasticine. At primary school, a one teacher rural school, our teacher was an artist, so we used pastel, a very hard pastel in grey pastel books. At high school I was coming into my own. There was very little guidance until I reached year 12 when I usually did my own ‘thing’.

Apart from the odd two-day workshop I am essentially self-taught. What am I on about? Basically, colour, with my interests in landscapes but also floral aspects, ‘chooks’ and have completed the odd portrait. A workshop on pastel 12 years ago sparked my interest and enthusiasm, so much so that I joined the Australian Pastel Society (APS). I love the feel of pastel. This was under the tutelage of master pastelist Louise Corke. I have been overseas on painting trips with Louise and a group of fellow artists. This was a great experience. Not are you with fellow artists but it is a very good way to experience another country and its culture, as you are off the tourist track. These trips included different parts of France twice, the Dodecanese Greek islands just off the Turkish coast, Scotland, Norfolk Island and a couple of trips within Australia.

While living on the coast I belonged to the SawtelI Art Group and now the NEAS. I have received various awards, mostly in pastel, with the most notable from the APS, a first prize in the animal/bird section. An exciting time. Since moving to Armidale, I am now involved with acrylics a different skill set to pastel and attend Tess Cullen’s acrylic classes. Recently, the beginning of September, I attended an art retreat to the Khiambal National Park. A great few days away with fellow artists, where we walked, talked, sketched, some painted and enjoyed the camaraderie.