Jean McDavitt - Wanganui Print

Painter



I am originally from Hawkes Bay and have been painting since I was 10 years old. My ambition as a child was to become a concert pianist, but my family had very little money and no piano. An aunt showed me how to paint. Since then my paint brush has played the music I hear in my head.

Over the years I have usually painted Abstract work in Acrylics allowing the quick drying properties to take me on a journey, often inspired by music or by dreams. I choose to use Oil for portrait work loving the subtle blending of shades and the fact that oil has a slower drying time.Lately I have found great delight in using a pencil or pen & ink.

My inspiration comes from nature, and sometimes great photographic portraiture. My portraits are by no means direct copies but are my interpretation, as always of what I feel. In my working  life I am an architectural draughtsperson, specialising in alterations and renovations. I love to make a house a home. My inspiration comes from light, colour, love and the sheer joy of living.

To view a selection of Jean's work click here 

I asked Jean a few Questions... 

If I could make one rule for the world it would be?
First do no harm.

 What essential lessons have I learned from my mistakes?
Turn your scars into stars. Live now, This is not a Rehearsal.

What makes you laugh out loud?
"7 Days" makes me laugh out loud, as do Tom Sharpe's books. I enjoy the play on words kind of humour.

What is your favourite colour?
My favorite colour is YELLOW. Fluffy ducks, autumn leaves against blue sky,  sunny days, CHB plains in Summer or paddocks anywhere during drought. ( I know the farmers hate it!) honey, Hokey Pokey IceCream, making love, laughter. I see all these things through a golden haze.

What you do if you weren't an artist?
I became an Artist because I couldn't become a Pianist.