Painting for herself gives others pleasure

At 96 years of age, Bunbury woman Trudy Smith doesn’t spend time thinking about what might happen in the future — instead, she spends time pursuing her artistic aspirations, and is now presenting her fourth exhibition of paintings.

Mrs Smith, who has no formal art training, has been painting for 10 years since the death of her husband.

‘‘I was always into art, but I was very busy,’’ Mrs Smith said.

‘‘It wasn’t until my husband died when I was 86 that I really had time to do it— now I have all the time in the world, which is lovely.’’

At such an age, Mrs Smith said she spends less time worrying about what others think of her work and what might happen tomorrow.

‘‘I’m 96 but I don’t really feel it and I don’t think about it much,’’ she said.

‘‘I just love painting and I just paint for myself — I try to paint feelings more than actual things.’’

Twenty-four of Mrs Smith’s art works, which she has completed over a year, are now on display at the Whitespace Studio Gallery in Mullalyup until November 4.

The pieces include a mixture of subject matter, from abstracts to landscapes.

‘‘One piece that I’m really fond of I called Refugees — it’s a grey picture with sad and crying faces coming out,’’ she said.

‘‘I’m very interested in Australian landscapes and how you feel it.

‘‘It’s not exactly a beautiful landscape and in some ways it can be very gentle but it’s very menacing and strong.’’

The gallery is open Friday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm and entry is free.

To arrange group bookings or for more information, call 9764 1306.