For me art was a natural adjunct to my training in biology. My exposure to techniques and media continued in Victoria starting with Jack Wilkinson and, in Banff, with Glenn Howarth and many fine instructors along the way.

It was at Pearson College that the free and expressive calligraphic brushwork of Jack Wise turned me on to Chinese painting. Later there was the elegantly disciplined calligraphy of John Nip and the energetic and often humerous work of Nenagh Molson.

Now there is our group of dedicated painters sharing experience and knowledge - - and tea!

Early retirement brought me to Victoria and the happenstance meeting with Ninaugh Molson 4 years ago has brought me back to art in the form of Chinese brush painting. A gracious but exacting method of painting, as well as the learning of the use of many different methods, brushes, papers, silk, mounting, silk and papers matting, framing etc. give me many pleasant hours exercising my talent. Many of my paintings have been created with children in mind and for children including, of course, my own children and grandchildren. I am a Director of the Oak Bay Community Artists Association.

After retiring from many years of teaching Fine Arts in the secondary schools, I was delighted to discover the refreshing world of Chinese Brushpainting. It was great fun to be a "student" once again and to learn the traditional techniques of this ancient style of painting. I am fortunate to have studied with Nenagh Molson and John Nip who are inspiring teachers. Chinese Brushpainting presents variety in all aspects of painting, and I love the direct quality of the brushwork. The use of interesting papers and the intricacies of mounting the finished paintings add challenges which always provide interest and a feeling of accomplishment when completed.

I am a native Victorian and a Chartered Accountant, now retired. I've been a keen photographer all my life and this interest led me into painting. About 20 years ago, I began pencil drawing and watercolour painting, eventually turning to Chinese Brush Painting in the early 1990's and Chinese calligraphy a few years ago. My fascination with this inspirational and challenging medium continues today. Fortunately, I have been able to study under many wonderful artists here in Victoria, most recently under Mr. John Nip.

Having participated in many local art shows and sales, including Studio 30 shows at Mayfair and Hillside malls, Oak Bay Library, Monterey Center, and Goward House, I'm still enjoying painting and am looking forward to sharing my work at the next show.

I was born in Victoria and educated in Victoria and Vancouver but lived away for almost forty years before returning “home” to retire.

I have studied drawing with Michael Cavanaugh and Elizabeth Spragg, print making with Vesa Peltonen and Chinese brush painting with Nenagh Molson, Andy Lou and John Nip.

A recent retiree with numerous creative pursuits now getting more attention than in years past, I find Chinese brush painting totally captivating. The deceptive simplicity of composition, the endless surprise of black ink on white paper, the way of the brush-all intrigue and inspire. Furry animals such as squirrels, foxes, and gibbons are my current subjects of interest, with jack pine a common background element. I am most grateful for the weekly encouragement and inspiration afforded by The Studio of Harmonious Endeavours.

I was born in England but have lived in Victoria since 1968. After a busy career in the health services, raising a family and doing volunteer work, I became interested in learning to express myself through art. I was drawn to study oriental painting by the use of white space, and the methods used to express the chi of the subject through a minimum of brush strokes, and the beauty of the calligraphy. I have studied with professional artist Nenagh Molson and with noted calligrapher John Nip. Chinese brush painting is my passion, I have collected a number of books on the subject and my goal is to improve my skills through constant practice.