The influence of renowned West Australian artist Robert Juniper loomed large in the life of Yallingup resident Patty Pearce. Now, at 80, she is reaping the rewards of her long ago teacher who inspired her to take up painting.
Perth-born Patty is preparing for the Margaret River Region Open Studios event from September 7 to 22 featuring 144 artists – from painters to potters, milliners, mosaicists, timber craftspeople, illustrators and installation artists.
“I was educated at Perth College and Robert Juniper was our art teacher,” Patty tells Have a Go News. “He was a lovely man and he let us do our own thing in a way, but he also kept an eye on you.
“I was fortunate to have him as a teacher and he encouraged me and some other girls, telling us we didn’t have to become nurses, teachers or secretaries but could pursue a career in art even though it didn’t make much money.
“I went home and thought about it, but decided to take up nursing and midwifery, going on to marry and have a family. Robert said, ‘at some point in your life your creativity is going to bubble up and you won’t be able to ignore it.’
“We kept in touch and he asked what I was doing whether it was china painting, building a new house or creating a garden. And he would ask, ‘so when are you going to pick up the paint?’
“Then I was turning 70 and Robert had passed away and I decided to take up painting. I found someone who was a teacher and did some courses with her and then I did a course in France.
“I did every course known to man and then came home and thought: ‘this is ridiculous, you can do anything if you put the work in. If you play sport, are a doctor or neurosurgeon, it’s all about how much work you do.
“So I decided to sit down and paint, because Robert Juniper taught me one thing that stuck in my mind and that was: ‘Patty, don’t look at things, see them. A white rose is not a white rose, it’s got ten colours in it.”
A friend and Patty’s retired doctor husband John, encouraged her to become involved in the 2021 Open Studios and she was surprised at the public reaction.
“People drop by not necessarily to buy your work but it’s very uplifting. The first exhibition was a big success and so were the following years.”
Patty, who paints in oil and acrylic, has spent the last few years perfecting her signature blooms and floral canvases, as well as colourful works of roosters, local birds and nature. She plans to have more than 20 works in this year’s event.
She says Open Studios gives her the opportunity to share her love of art and creativity with the wider community.
Patty’s bright spark draws people to her studio, sometimes for hours. On one particular day, she thought all her visitors had left and went upstairs to find four people on her balcony whale watching.
So she opened a bottle of wine and shared it with her guests.
Patty Pearce will show her works at her Home Studio, 23 Wardanup Crescent, Yallingup from 10am-4pm September 7–22. Parking and refreshments are available.
