Liz Davies

Education

My art journey began when I was 11. My parents saw I was interested in drawing, and although there was no money for art lessons, they gave me a "Learn to Draw with Jon Gnagy" art set. A year or two later this was followed by a beginner's oil paint set and a handful of canvas panels. I loved painting and spent hours with my brushes and how-to-paint books borrowed from the local library. It was heaven.

My love of oil painting came to an abrupt end, however, when I was 15. My pet cat took a stroll across a freshly painted seascape, then hopped down onto the brand-new carpet in my bedroom. The carpet was red, the paw prints were chocolate brown, my mother's screams nearly shattered the windows and I switched to acrylics. I've been an acrylic artist ever since.

I've enjoyed countless hours of bliss painting outdoor scenes, some original and others copies of famous works. But there were no "lessons" until 2021, when a much-loved friend talked me into joining her at a local workshop focusing on painting flowers. That class was 4.5 days of intense excitement as I was introduced to the rudiments of color theory, technique, and tips on handling the acrylic medium. Having advice from a qualified teacher, well, after decades of working on own (with mediocre results at best) I was suddenly producing work I could really get excited about. I was hooked. I had to have more.

Then I discovered The Victorian Artists Society. I attended a 1-day workshop during the summer break in 2023 and knew I'd found a home. I became a member and haven't missed a term since then. I've met amazing teachers there including Olga Dziemidowicz, Lucy Fekete and Gwen Krumins. With their encouragement I am growing at a pace that astounds me. I've started exhibiting my work (something that terrified me in 2023, but now I enjoy). And every term I get to spend hours and hours in class with fellow students who inspire me and share what they know.