I can’t remember a time in my life when I did not enjoy using chalk, pencil, pen & ink or paint on paper to express something I have seen in the world – or in my imagination. But finding time to do it, that has been the problem.

Before retirement, I took courses from Kay Long at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre in Scarborough and Pauline Holancin at the Haliburton School of the Arts, where I studied the basics of design and watercolour. Then off I went, painting what I saw around me; landscapes, trees, animals, flowers, or scenes of places I have visited around North America. Working most often from my own photographs, I find subject matter everywhere – including that of the early homes in the Stouffville/Markham area built from brick, stone or in the board and batten style, with peaked roofs and gingerbread trim.

When I joined the Schoolhouse Group of Artists in Lemonville, it allowed me to set aside time each week to paint. It is a pleasure to be with those of similar interest as we encourage, inspire and guide each other through the joys and challenges of expression through watercolour and acrylic mediums.