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

I loved art in school, when we lived in Canada. In secondary school I became really fond or art.  I wanted more than what school offered and my lovely parents found a lovely Canadian nun in Montreal who taught 4 hours on a Saturday morning in the convent. She was a wonderful art teacher, took me through oils, watercolours, life sketching, all sorts. And I just did more of it at home. Loved it and enjoyed it. I won a couple of prizes as a teenager. My grandmother and my father loved art as well. Maybe somehow it’s in the genes.

What medium/media do you use?

I’ve always used oils, but I really wished to challenge myself by using watercolours. They’re so much more convenient. Oils make a terrible mess in the car etc. when carrying a painting. I’m now trying watercolour. I love it, but find it really challenging. So the answer to that question is, presently I am using water colours.

What are your favourite subjects?

I am most taken with landscapes; sky, forest, sea. That’s what I like to stare at and where I like to be in the presence. I want to get better at that, it’s really tricky with watercolour. But it’s also nice to set myself a challenge.

Where do you get your inspiration?

(Long pause…) I think I am not very good at that. I’m getting Irene’s (Dixon) guidance, I’m always painting the whole lot, whereas I have to focus on areas instead.

Sometimes I decide on something that is a challenge, or something that’s my favourite colour. Not entirely sure how to answer that question, it’s open.

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

This probably is me over-estimating my ability, but I want people to enjoy the beauty of nature. OMG, that sounds so pretentious. But you know, when someone shares an image of say, the sunset and you so enjoy it. That’s what I want. Without sounding pretentious

When and why did you join the Greystones Art Group?

I joined because it’s a wonderful opportunity on many levels to create art with other people who also love creating art. There’s a wonderful social quality to it. Also, you can learn so much from other artists, I absolutely think you can, I definitely have.

Do you take commissions?

No no no, thank you. Not at the moment.

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

Well yeah OK, I have a little oil painting of my sister in Malta when we were on holidays. I absolutely love those Mediterranean places, restaurants etc., that have those lovely vibes, living plants and flowers with lovely colours. It blows my mind. I started that many months ago, I will go back to finish that.