My journey as an artist began with a desire to bring more creativity into my classroom. As a second-grade teacher, I’ve always believed in the power of hands-on learning and creative exploration, so when I decided to pursue a certification to teach elementary art, I had no idea it would unlock a deep personal passion for art-making.

Through my studies in art history and various artistic processes, I discovered a love for drawing that quickly expanded into painting, exploring watercolor, acrylics, and soon oil in the Beginner Pathway classes taught by Jacqueline Hill. I’ve also long enjoyed quilting and paper crafting, and I see all of these creative practices as interconnected expressions of my curiosity and joy.

My art comes from everyday moments and the beauty I find in simple things. I create ceramic plates using soft pastel colors that reflect the gentle emotions of daily life. Each plate becomes my canvas – I paint delicate marks, patterns, and shapes that capture feelings and memories. Every plate is unique, just like every day we experience. Working with clay gives me peace and connects me to something timeless. These plates turn everyday meals into moments of beauty, bringing calm and joy into daily life.

I started playing with Art in the early 2000’s. Have always loved creating with a sewing machine, so my friend and I started playing with paint, painting pots, wooden pieces etc. I then decided that I’d like to try other things so I would find a photo and paint it, not so skilfully at first, however I learned much more over the years. I used to trace the images on my canvas as I couldn’t draw, and then I went to this 5 day drawing class and voila! The magician taught me to draw and I love it.

I enjoy the creativity and the challenge. When I started I could not draw at all. With Jacqui’s tuteledge I am drawing and painting things that I never thought possible.

The art I create comes from inside me – my essence – my being wanting to escape. I loved drawing as a child, and I could lose myself in the process. My serious journey began in 2001 when I enrolled at the School of Colour and Design in Sydney. Although health issues meant I had to pull out, the exposure sparked my desire to explore and learn. I began drawing again and painting – taking classes, experimenting and researching on my own…
Then eventually I met Jacqueline Hill – an incredibly gifted, giving teacher and mentor. Her generosity, talent and belief in her students changed everything for me. Under her guidance, I’ve grown and blossomed.
Now, I finally see myself as an emerging artist – and for that, I will be forever grateful.

My art journey started from never having painted at all before to now, where I enjoy a weekly lesson with Jacqui. Of all the lovely subjects I’ve painted with Jacqui, I would have to say that flowers would be my favourite! Acrylic and watercolour would be my favourite mediums.

I always wanted to create and have done many different mediums over my 68 years. I always wanted to paint and draw but thought it was a gift you were born with. Surprise in 2023 I met Jacqueline Hill, the most amazing person and teacher. Through her inspiration and encouragement I realized anything is possible.

I never knew it was possible to LEARN to be an artist. I’d always assumed it was a gift and yearning one had to be born with. I was looking for crafty things to do, to sell at markets, and ultimately stumbled on a certain 5-Day Challenge that blew my mind. I learnt more with Jacqueline Hill in those five days than I could ever believe possible. And I wanted to learn more.
Three years later and I now draw/paint/sketch like I would never have believed possible. There is still so much more to learn, but it brings me such pride to produce art at the level I am. I even have the gumption to attempt my own paintings.
I haven’t yet determined my favourite medium… it changes depending on the moment!

I have a desire to create art from my own photos, and although still in Beginner level am now able to confidently draw. I haven’t experienced oil paints yet but enjoy using watercolor and acrylic paints and my confidence in using these had grown considerably since our art retreat.

I have always wanted to paint flowers and have dabbled a bit in the past, I but saw a short course on how to draw and thought now is the time.

Drawing chooks and penguins opened up a whole new world when I discovered drawing could be learnt.

I like working with a lot of mediums, I am not sure that I have picked a favourite yet. I have done a fair bit of watercolour. There are a few I would not choose (mainly charcoal and pastels) but have a go anyway. I think it’s the texture I am right into “messy play.”

I have dabbled in art since high school but not achieving anything. After three years of learning with Jacqueline Hill I feel that I can now call myself an artist. I love drawing, watercolour, and acrylics; and the lucky dip of whatever might be created when I have time for art.

Art is my creative outlet which takes away the pressures of a high demand corporate job. I have been drawing, painting and sculpting since childhood.

I’m a latecomer to making art. I never thought I had any talent, and then I learned that it was a skill; so at 72, I took up watercolor painting. This was one of my first ever with acrylic so watercolor is my favorite medium by default. Unlike a lot of amateurs, I think that drawing really is necessary for good watercolor, so I’m really working on that now.

Dabbled with Chinese painting and watercolor about 43 years ago (before kids), and very occasionally until retirement 3 years ago.
Loved the sense of total immersion in the process of transforming a blank white sheet into something beautiful.
I feel my skills are definitely improving.
Still love watercolor, but my relationships with pastel, acrylic & oil are still in the early stages, but showing great promise of a happy future.

My decision to become a beginner artist started when I turned 60.

I have always been fascinated by other peoples’ ability to create beautiful art, so I decided to dive in and explore my own creative potential. I wanted to see what I could achieve with art.

Starting as a beginner 2 years ago and working through Jacqui’s carefully guided lessons I have embraced the learning curve and gradually improved on my skills.

Over time I have learnt to let go of my inhibitions and learnt to ‘trust the process.’ I am thoroughly enjoying discovering my artistic voice.