Dorothy Macfarlane

• How long have you been painting?

  I took some high school courses in painting and then did not have an opportunity to take it up again until after I retired from elementary school teaching. I have enjoyed taking art classes from Cheryl for the last four years.

• Why did you first want to learn to paint?

  I knew that I enjoyed being creative with visual elements such as flower arranging. I also appreciated the work of many artists, so I wanted to venture out and try it myself.

• What type of paint do you like to work in?

  Usually the project dictates the type of paint. I work in tube acrylics to create impasto effects and liquid acrylics for special effects such as pouring backgrounds and glazing. I paint portraits with water mixable oils.

• Do you have a favourite subject?

  I enjoy painting people, places and flowers that are meaningful to me or my family.

• What inspires you to be creative?

  I am inspired by shapes in nature, memories and ideas such as family love.

• Do you have any favourite artists?

  Some of my favourite artists are Robert Bateman, van Gogh, Renoir and many of the Group of Seven painters.

• How does painting affect your life?

  Time spent painting enables me to forget other stresses in my life. Painting also gives me a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. But I must give myself permission to be a learner on an artistic adventure!

Painting by Dorothy Macfarlane