Gaye Downing has finally jumped the divide from graphic designer to an artist in oils.
Downing said confidence and time conspired against her but in October last year, she faced her fears.
She credited renowned New Zealand landscape painter Don Hill as being her mentor and was grateful for his patience.
A selection
of her works is hanging in Jolt Coffee House in the bridge block on Victoria Ave until Sunday.
Her still-life fruit, she said, might look simple but capturing the light reflected in the colours of the fruit and the shape of each piece was a difficult process.
Downing said the "wet in wet" technique she used meant she had to complete a work in one sitting and the realism in her subjects, which she took from photographs, was captured in the shadows.
She also enjoyed painting animals, especially horses.
Downing said that with her graphic design work, she had to "come up with the whole concept and create an atmosphere". Painting was like that, too, but was more about capturing a mood or moment.
Downing also does commissions and can be contacted on 021 128 5715.
Located at 19 Victoria Ave, Jolt's opening hours are 6.30am-4.30pm on weekdays, 7.30am-1pm on Saturdays, 8am-1pm on Sundays.
