Painting is a breeze for Ivana

Ivana Pinaffo has fond memories of a childhood spent on the beach.

Growing up in Libya and Malta made time at the beach ideal summer entertainment.

Pinaffo’s memories of those days have helped create her new exhibition, Sea Breeze, on display at Point Cook Community Learning Centre until September 29.

Pinaffo says she chose to include paintings of beaches and water in this exhibition because she had been told she was good at painting water scenes.

“I come from the Mediterranean where the beach was our summer entertainment. When painting, I feel the warmth, sand and colours that nature gives us,” she says. “The bright colours are my strength and happiness.”

The Hoppers Crossing artist has always had an interest in painting, and credits her father with encouraging her artistic side.

However, she didn’t take up painting full-time until about 20 years ago, after enrolling in folk art lessons. A few years later, she herself was teaching art classes.

“As a child, I spent a lot of time painting, but I stopped when I moved to Australia at 18,” Pinaffo says.

“About 20 years ago, I wanted to learn about different mediums so I started lessons and it developed from there.”

The Point Cook Community Learning Centre is at 1-21 Cheetham Street, Point Cook.

Pinaffo’s memories of those days have helped create her new exhibition, Sea Breeze,Details: www.experiencewyndham.com.au/artsculture