About Jackie

I was born in Cornwall UK and was based there until 2001 when my husband Ian and I decided to up- root and make a fresh start in Australia. We moved initially to Adelaide , SA until a career opportunity for Ian meant moving onto ‘sunny’ Queensland . We fell in love with the bayside area of Brisbane where we now reside. After living in this country for the last five years we are still in awe of the place, it’s people and of course the wildlife, which is so vastly different to anywhere else we have explored so far. The beauty of Australia ’s flora and fauna continues to inspire us in our everyday lives and we are constantly discovering new places, unique animals, and so many different bird species!

From a young age I have always been interested in Art, being my favorite subject at school and pastime/hobby at home. Living in Wynnum in 2002, whilst looking for a watercolor/acrylic class to attend I came across a pastel class run by Gail Higgins and thought that I’d give that a go...I was initially surprised with the effects that could be achieved using pastel. I have continued using this as my preferred medium, as it still allows me to create the fine detail that I like to put into my paintings.

Wherever we travel we always have our camera with us (I like to work from my own photographs, well I say my own…if it’s a real good shot Ian likes to take the credit!) I feel that working from your own photographic material and the experiences achieving them, you get a better feel for the painting allowing your emotions to direct what you are trying to create, giving it a more of a personal touch.

I joined QWASI back in 2003 as an Exhibiting member but it’s only this year that I have started to exhibit my work due to working full time. This leaves very little time spent on what is still at this time my hobby – my love of wildlife, birds and painting them in their natural habitat.