How did you get into art / have you always been painting?

My kids were all very arty and my husband had joined an art class. Then my sister asked me to join a class with her. It was an eye opener, I started looking at things differently. I stuck at it and enjoyed it more and more. When someone wanted to buy one of my paintings, I was gobsmacked!

I have to say, my children have always really encouraged me and were always very complimentary about my endeavours.

I now join my daughter Rachel Kerr – a Fine Art painter and printer – once a week for an informal painting session.

What medium/media do you use?

Acrylic. I started off with watercolour, but I think I’m just too impatient. One of the art teachers along the way suggested I’d try acrylic and that seemed to be my calling. Although it takes ages to finish a painting; I tend to get a bit a bit fiddly, adding things last minute and sometimes taking it too far.

What are your favourite subjects?

Landscapes. I’m not really into flowers as such. I didn’t realise it at first, but then noticed I often put water in the subject somehow. I grew up near the sea and always loved it. Maybe that’s why. I prefer to do bigger paintings.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I may see a photograph in a paper or magazine and decide I might try that. I do find I have to like what I’m painting.

Is there anything in particular you like to communicate through your art?

Nooo… (laughing out loud. 😊) I paint for myself.

When and why did you join the Greystones Art Group?

I joined about 10 years ago – maybe more. I attended monthly demos for 3 years before I was able to become a fully-fledged member. At that stage I had joined art classes in Bray Tech and had also sold a few paintings, I kind of proved myself. Once I joined, Cinnie Moran invited me to join the Monday morning painting sessions in Charlesland. Not many joined on those mornings at that time.

Do you take commissions?

I do, but I’m not very fond of it. It’s so hard, you’re constantly wondering if they’re going to like it, very worrying.

Are you working on any special projects? (e.g. exhibitions, commission, etc.)

No, I’m just trying to finish something – I’ve already brought it to the Monday morning painting session about 4 times.