I took up painting in 2016 after a serious illness prompted a revaluation of my lifestyle and goals. Having been given a terminal cancer diagnosis of 6 to 9 months to live, it was a wakeup call to say the least. I felt the need to spend whatever time I had left enjoying myself. It also ignited a passion to leave something behind for family and friends, something to be remembered by if you will.
One 4 hr Pastel workshop on seascapes got me hooked, I have not put down the pastels since! I quickly started exhibiting and selling paintings as I ran out of wall space. Many of my works are held in private collections in USA, Barbados, Northern Cyprus, Switzerland the UK and here in Australia. Many have been gifted to family and friends or charity and 9 were paid commissions.
I now enjoy painting most subjects and have started to explore other mediums. I continue to attend classes to improve my skills and learn new techniques. I find painting very therapeutic; it takes your mind off everything, and you can forget whatever worries you have.
I have my own website: www.Anniswoodsart.com, Instagram, Facebook and a profile on Bluethumb online Gallery: https://bluethumb.com.au/annis-woods
I serve on the committees of the Pastel Society of WA and North Coast Art Club. I am also a member of Trigg Art Club.
Prizes
Winner People’s Choice – Blue Lizard Gallery – the Art of Instruction Exhibition 2022
Winner Wanneroo and Joondalup Art Association Online Art Competition – Theme Wings 2020
Finalist Sterling Art Award 2021
Category winner Wanneroo Show 2nd Prize Pastel Painting 2019
Category winner Wanneroo Show 1st Prize Pastel Painting 2019
I have always loved painting and began painting professionally thirteen years ago. My formal art education consists of four years of art study at high school followed by a semester at East Sydney Technical College. Although my preferred medium is acrylic I also experiment with mixed media and a variety of styles and subjects. My favourite subjects to paint are seascapes, birds, animals, abstracts and children but I am willing to paint other subjects when commissioned. I love to take on challenges and extend my skills with a variety of subjects, often working on up to four paintings at a time as my mood takes me. I have a large studio attached to my home, which you are welcome to visit, and there is always a painting in progress on one of my easels. My other works can be viewed at https://bluethumb.com.au/jenny-ellis-newman
I live in Banksia Grove. I have always wanted to learn how to paint but have never worked up the courage to go to classes. When we moved into our current house several years ago, I found myself fortunate enough to have a studio out back. So I thought I would have a go myself.
My love of animals inspired me to start painting them (I usually work from a photo). I was thrilled to find my first painting of my beloved Papillon turned out so well, I found myself getting some commissions for other people’s pets. I usually paint with acrylics but have also done some pencil and pastel drawings that have turned out quite well.
Painting is something I pursue to express the need to create, mainly using acrylic paints and often including mixed media. I apply layers of colour, using sometimes very large brushes, sticks, sponges and even my hands and fingers.
I love the challenges in producing a work that speaks for itself with no preconceived idea, by letting go and using my intuition and letting the layers of colours and forms tell their own story.