ARTIST Margaret Watson’s works are being featured between 12 July and 8 August at the Port Stephens Community Arts Centre in Nelson Bay.
Margaret not only paints at the centre but runs classes as well, including the Life Drawing sessions, and is constantly recruiting models for the classes.
English born Margaret migrated to Australia in 1964 with her husband and small children and still has her north of England accent.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts as well as a Graduate Diploma in Art from Newcastle University.
Between 1989 and 2007 Margaret won several awards and had her works included in various exhibitions.
In 1993 she won first, second and third place at the Morisset Art Show and in 2003 took out the coveted Port Stephens Art Prize.
“I started winning art competitions when I was 12,” Margaret told News Of The Area.
“I started studying at university when I was 45 years old and believe that you are never too old to learn, I tell everyone to come along and have a go, if you want to create art you can.”
“The hardest thing I have to deal with at the moment is recruiting models for the life drawing classes; the models don’t have to undress entirely, and they are paid $80 per sitting at the centre.”
“My husband tries to stops me from approaching strangers asking them to pose for the classes, but I just strike up a conversation and quite often people say yes,” she said.
The artworks displayed at the Port Stephens Community Arts Centre are changed every six weeks.
Entry is free and the not for profit organisation is always holding a raffle.
This month you could win one of Margaret’s paintings.
By Marian SAMPSON