ARTIST'S PROFILE - Deirdrie Truslove

Deirdrie's love of art began in the 1980's when she worked voluntarily with primary school children as a craft/ art teacher; later she was part of the first “Arts for kids program” in country Victoria which has since become an internationally renowned annual children's arts festival.

In 1990 after shifting to Melbourne she was accompanying a friend, Jack to his painting group to help him with the preparation of his painting equipment. Jack was unable to do this for himself as his mobility was extremely limited because he had MS. As his ability to use his hands deteriorated he needed an assistant to help him prepare the canvases and lay out his pallet. By 1990 Jack was only able to paint by holding the brush in his mouth. He was producing some really lovely works and had had many exhibitions in Australia and overseas On the first occasion Deirdrie went to help Jack set up and squeeze the tubes of oil paint, Jack began to encourage her to mix his colours. This is when her serious love of art began. Deirdrie applied to study at RMIT where she completed a degree in fine art majoring in sculpture. During this period and after graduation she contributed to exhibitions in Melbourne and country NSW. After moving to NSW she continued to produce more work and began teaching. Many of the students were beginners, children and adults.

Deirdrie has worked with people with a disability and those affected by psychiatric illness, bringing to them the joy of expressing themselves through art. During the tuition period her students achieved a very high standard of work and learned to love painting and the satisfaction such an activity can bring.

The way Deirdrie approachs teaching is to show her students that art is not just about making a nice picture but to enjoy the emotional satisfaction that can be achieved through being brave enough to put some paint on canvas. Students are encouraged to explore painting and to have fun with the medium. Painting can bring such pleasure and Deirdrie endeavours to give students a positive experience which will continue long after the course has finished. They will learn the basic principals of colour, light and shade and perspective Armed with these and a new found love of exploring they will be able to continue to paint and more confidently expand their love of art.