My passion for painting in acrylics started in Noosa Australia where I had my own Clothing Label. One of my clients is a well known Australian Artist, Amanda Brooks, who happened to love my designs. It wasn’t long before we were swapping clothing for art lessons which I absolutely adored. Amanda’s art classes were alive with classical music, fabulous coffee, and amazing tutoring. I stored away in the back of my mind how pleasurable it was to create an environment for people to paint in. When I arrived back in New Zealand, in 2004, I knew one day I would run my own classes and in 2013 I did. I started small around my dining room table until my partner built me a beautiful studio where I teach up to 50 children/adults a week with all levels of ability. My studio is situated on my farm surrounded by bird song in a very relaxed creative environment.

My love for painting was heightened when I started selling my art in Australia not long after learning to paint. Amanda’s classes only went for a year so I had to continue by teaching myself through the share joy painting brought me and lots of mistakes, of course. I adore painting because as I tell my students ‘You learn something new every time you pick up your paintbrush’.

I’m not happy to paint one sort of way or another or one sort of reference or another. I’m always striving to learn new ways and push myself to try new things. I usually only paint one of everything from flowers to Highland cows and Deer to Bulldogs with so much else in between. I have painted a 20-foot shipping container with a totally organic painting of a forest for Oropi School, with some amazing help from some of my adult students. I have been in the Garden Art Festival twice and exhibited at the Incubator. I have also sold through many local galleries over the years. Commissions are always welcome, absolutely love the challenge.