Patricia Hayes nee Andrew Artist

My years at Kilbreda 1949-1962 were a joy for me. My children and grandchildren laugh when I say this. “Really?” “Yes, really!”

I don’t remember any particular formality in art lessons at school, but do remember I was in my element when Fridays came around.

All my friends excelled in Math, Science etc. but I excelled in art! I was happy with that!

What was I going to do with this talent? I had no idea, as it wasn’t a requisite for anything, really.

I was an only child, and always had a pencil in hand. I spent many happy hours drawing, always drawing something. I was the most dedicated “doodler” of all time, phone books, school books, any blank page would do! I still am today. Attending meetings, I doodle all the time.

As a teacher I used my art to illustrate and as a sideline have made teachers aides for many teachers that I’ve worked with over the years.

My dear husband died in 2007 and I was lost. I had to do something to help me cope with the grief. I turned to Watercolour painting, something I had had a go at, but hadn’t mastered.

I began studying Watercolour with Linda Murray, a beautiful artist and now dear friend. Watercolour goes its own way, and learning to control it is the trick. In saying that, mistakes in watercolour can result in something spectacular! It’s such an exciting medium, I get excited just talking about what you can do!

I love Australia, its colours, flora and fauna and especially its characters. I discovered all this while travelling extensively around our country. The Outback is just magical to me, especially in WA and NT.

The characters in my Australian Series are mostly based on these people I have met & stories I have been told.

What did I do with my art?

I do sell through Liveringa Gallery Pinjarra and other local outlets. I have taken part in many exhibitions with Linda and other artists. Quite a few paintings have gone overseas. My true passion is creating something that I enjoy, and someone likes enough, to place in their home and enjoy too.

I am so grateful as to where my art has taken me and I consider it a true blessing.

Patricia Hayes

Past Pupil