Pat Harris

Biography

I'm 74, a retired Secondary School teacher. I grew up in Manchester, moved to London with my late husband, and then to North Hertfordshire, where I have lived for over 40 years. I've always enjoyed working with colour, my hobbies being knitting and weaving (among other things). I started painting in 2020, during the first Lockdown. My husband had died in December 2019 and I needed something to keep my mind occupied. I have never painted before. Attempts at school were met with derision. I haven't forgiven the art department for not teaching the basics. I have extreme difficulty translating something from 3D to 2D. My way in seems to be via photographs I have taken myself. I have already worked on the composition and tried to enhance lighting and tone digitally. I enjoy this activity. Now I am trying the real thing. My first attempts were done in Acrylic, marking up a canvas with the main components and outlines and taking it one section at a time. I am drawn towards watercolours, as I feel too restricted by acrylics. Looking forward to getting to know fellow Lockdown Refugees and move forward together.