I have found that art has really saved my sanity at times in my life. When I was younger it was my dream to attend Art School but this was just after the Second World War and although I was able to attend Brighton College of Art for nealy a year, through personal reasons, it was decided that I had to learn shorthand/typing instead in order to earn my living.
My interest never faded and although, once married, I had three children and plenty to occupy myself, I never failed to take moments off in order to sneak away and do as many sketches as I could in a variety of situations. Later on, when the home duties lessened I was able to join the local art societies and became interested in watercolour paintings and pastels. After being successful in selling my work at exhibitions I was able to live in Cornwall for several years and joined the Polperro Art Society and the the St. Austell Group, exhibitiing at both and also at Liskeard ( a big exhibition held early in the Spring annually). I am now a member of the Pilton Art Society and enjoying the company of fellow artists at our weekly sessions. I have always loved the work of the Impressionists, Constable and Turner, although I am an admirer of less conventional painters and open to all creative processes. I know one can never stop learning and widening one's perspective so hopefully art should always be there to be thought-provoking, uplifting and reflective - long may it be so. |
