While North Carolina USA based artist Alice Peschl Swain’s (artistically penned as AP Swain) artistic interest began in photography over 25 years ago, she started enjoying drawing and painting in 2022 with Zen and the Art of Art’s 5 Day Drawing Challenge. “I completely surprised myself with what I could accomplish under Jacqui’s instruction, and I’ve been hooked ever since!” exclaims the artist.

Alice gets inspiration from nature’s abundant beauty, mostly working with watercolors and acrylics, however, she continues to broaden her skills with new mediums as well. Alice currently enjoys art as a hobby and can’t wait to see where her journey leads!

With over 20 years of dedication to her craft, Sharron is a multifaceted artist whose creative journey has spanned various mediums and styles. Her artistic exploration has included acrylic painting, graphite drawing and charcoal life drawing.In recent years, Sharron, found a new passion for Botanical Art combining her love of nature and art to create stunning drawings and watercolour paintings of animals and flowers.Currently Sharron is expanding her knowledge and skill set through a course with a renowned artist, pushing boundaries of her art and charting a new course for her artistic future. Sharron is combining a passion for learning and growth by evolving as an artist inspired by the beauty and wonder of the world around her.

In 2018, I participated in a Paint A Wren in Watercolour class that Jacqueline had advertised on Face Book . I totally enjoyed the instruction and the outcome and I enrolled in Jacqueline’s Anytime Online Class in Watercolour. After retiring from primary school teaching I had hoped to begin some art classes but I had no idea what medium to choose. Meeting Jacqueline led to her encouraging me to try other mediums. Initially I was resistant but I am so glad I took her suggestion as today If you asked me which medium I prefer I’d have to say which ever one is on my art table . I totally enjoy the different qualities and applications of each one. I am looking forward to the year ahead and the new learnings Jacqueline has to share.

I began painting at 62 years of age, but had never drawn much. I wanted to develop a hobby for when I retired. The creation of Art is soothing for me and over the years, I have knitted, crocheted, embroided, tatted, along with many other fiber arts. These days, I look to Art to sooth my soul and stretch my connection to Earth.

I am retired and enjoying life. I keep busy sewing, reading, singing and some charity work. Still about a year ago felt I need a new challenge! Started with a short course Learn to Draw at the WEA and surprised myself with how much I learnt in just 5 weeks. I found Jacqueline’s 5 Day Challenge just a year ago, and the progress I have made is exciting and encouraging. Looking forward to learning more this year and creating more art!

As a young girl, I liked to doodle flowers on my page at school but never had the chance to learn to paint! Fast forward 70 years later and I was destined to meet a talented local artist named Jacqueline Hill, who would inspire me to put some miles in the brush! I have really enjoyed learning the various mediums and of course, have been particularly drawn to painting flowers! I have learnt so much about drawing & painting during my lessons with Jacqui and the amazing Art Retreats I’ve been on with her! Amaazing!!

Just over two years ago I found Jacqueline Hill’s online art courses which I have loved studying. My mind has gone from bursting with so much learning to do, to learning so much about drawing, watercolour, acrylics and oil painting. Now I am really enjoying the process of making art and the art learning journey continues.

I started drawing with Jacqueline about 2yrs ago. I was a late starter as I did not have what I thought was a natural talent for art. I have dabbled in many “crafts” over the years. I was so excited to discover that drawing and painting are not a natural talent but can be learnt. “If you can write, you can draw” really impressed me. So here I am with a couple of miles in the brush completed.

I have had a relationship of sorts with acrylic for many years but it wasn’t until I came here to Jacqui’s classes that I really understood and started to improve my painting. I could not draw very well and initially started with her to learn to draw. I feel much more confident with all aspects of the art after nearly one year of learning. Looking forward to many more lessons in the future.

I am enjoying a retired life. Treating myself to indulge in my art journey is a blessing for which I do not take for granted. I have been involved with Art at Heart for almost three years. There is so much enjoyment in the learning, the practicing and creating as well as the new friends I now have.

I embarked on my artistic journey after retiring, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Painting has become my sanctuary, offering a space to relax and connect with others.

Claire Day (nom de brush) is a hobby artist living in Melbourne, Australia. She enjoys exploring different mediums and artistic subjects while building confidence with working with colour and tone.

I’m a beginner as an artist but a lifelong crafter. I took the 5 day challenge in August of 2023. Jacqui encouraged me to jump into lessons and I have not regretted it. It’s the best present I have ever given myself.

Newly retired and looking to being more creative and making something that will inspire me. I have tried different mediums and love combining them together.

Hello, Michelle from Sydney, Australia. I love to create art to relax and meditate, to learn and express myself. I love all forms of art from photography, embroidery and now I’m on a journey learning about drawing, watercolour, acrylics and oils

I have completed all beginner lessons in all mediums and have recently started Adventurer lessons. I’m thrilled with my progress! I have dabbled in art for years but I was missing huge chunks of learning. I thank Jacqui for patiently working with me as I started over again.

As an art therapist, I have seen first hand how important it is to create, to process, to play, and to move through challenges. Pottery is a fundamental part of my self care. I feel free and grounded due to the tactile nature of the materials, and the imaginative aspects of the glaze.