Local artist profile: Ann Mansfield

THIS week we chat with painter and illustrator Ann Mansfield, who said her only regret is that she waited until she’d retired to take up her creative pursuits.

What motivated you to become a painter and illustrator?

My love affair with painting and drawing began in 2012.

After retirement my husband and I became “grey nomads”.

Whilst taking photographs of a beautiful beach at the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, I had a sudden desire to draw the scene including our dog who was travelling with us.

Later, after my Dad (a former school teacher) passed on, a book of his sketches was discovered.

Whilst at Teacher Training College in 1939 he had transcribed poems and illustrated them beautifully with pen and ink.

The realisation that I had inherited a talent to draw was rather overwhelming.

This book is now a treasured possession.

How would you describe your style?

I like the versatility and flexibility of acrylic paints and also the bright colours produced.

I’ve dabbled with oils, finding them lovely to work with, but I find it difficult to wait for them to dry.

As I began my art adventure late in life I did not have time to study as most artists do – I was impatient to explore and produce as much as I could.

I’ve not settled on any particular style and am willing to try most genres.

Still life is a favourite (but) landscapes are a challenge. I prefer there to be an object, for example (a) lighthouse building to focus on.

Which other artists inspire you?

I admire the Impressionists – Monet, Van Gogh and Berthe Morisot – an exceptional female artist for the time.

Their use of light is amazing.

The detail of the works of old masters such as Gainsborough and Renoir is (also) fascinating.

What are some highlights you have from your career so far?

As my husband and I have been fortunate to travel both overseas and in Australia there is the opportunity to draw or paint wherever we go.

I once sketched the pattern of the carpet in an airport whilst waiting to board the plane.

I’m currently enjoying drawing and sketching old buildings as we travel the Outback.

It’s so easy to pack a drawing pad and pencils.

How can people check out your work online?

I have some of my works on the website of Bendigo Art Society, (and) a number are hung in the rooms of a medical clinic.

Being a member of the Society has enabled me to gain confidence in my work assisted by members’ critique and advice.

I’ve exhibited with their exhibitions as well as the Eaglehawk Dahlia and Arts and local exhibitions such as Rotary Easter and Castlemaine.

Are you working on anything in particular right now?

I’ve just finished a landscape of the Dingee Post Office for a friend who lived there in the 1960s.

It’s been a work of great detail.

What would you say to young regional aspiring artists who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

My advice to anyone thinking of taking up drawing or any creative pursuit is (to) find a few minutes of quiet time and pick up a pencil and paper and just let it take you.

You may be surprised, just as I was.

My only regret is that I waited until I had retired, but am hoping to continue putting pencil to paper and brush to canvas until my 90s.