Growing up, drawing and painting were always a part of life. Fortunately this was encouraged in my family as relatives were jewellers, commercial artists, printmakers and one a fashion designer. Apart from art my big interest was classical ballet.

Life was busy in my early twenties with four small children under the age of 6. I occasionally found the time to paint and I was able to express my creativity by sewing all the children’s clothing. Later I worked as a Teacher Aide and my artistic ability was used in creating educational games, charts, backdrops and screen prints. I also opened a dance studio around this time and my creativity was fully expressed in choreographing productions, designing costumes and sets.

Around the year 2000 I felt a great desire to return to painting and started attending the McGregor Summer Schools in Toowoomba Qld. This proved to be a great way to kick start my interest in painting and drawing again. I have been fortunate to be able to attend courses and workshops with some great artists and tutors including David Taylor and Herman Pekel whose work I greatly admire. I have found great enjoyment in working in watercolour but I also enjoy using acrylics and pastel.

One of my lifelong dreams was to visit Europe and in 2011 this became a reality. I was overjoyed to visit some of the greatest galleries in Italy, France and Britain and am very drawn to the work of the Impressionists especially Degas and Monet. I also have great respect for the work of John Singer Sargeant, Homer along with Australian artists Arthur Streeton and Sydney Long. I think it is important to learn about the real life of the artists we admire. Much is spoken about the “joy of painting and producing art” but we should be aware of the many struggles that go along with it. For many artists pursuing a successful creative life has not always been easy. To express yourself there is a need to master certain techniques. There is also a need to manage our emotional reactions that come with allowing others to see the way we view the world and interpret it.

When we paint with our heart and express ourselves on paper or canvas, we are leaving our emotions and feelings wide open for display. There can be feeling of real pain when things just don’t work out but when everything comes together – technique, composition, good tonal values, atmosphere etc. there is nothing as satisfying. For a short time we feel the exhilaration of an artistic high.

I have found entering competitions and exhibitions can be a challenge but prove to be a great way to receive positive and sometimes negative feedback and critique. This can assist in keeping you on the right track. I have had much success in various art shows and won many awards but have learnt you can’t be too sensitive about your work as different judges have different opinions and are drawn to different types of work.

Lynette Cramb - Florenza