Janet Knight can’t imagine life without art.
The Werribee resident doesn’t think of her profession as work – it’s simply part of who she is.
For 25 years, she has devoted her life to painting, along the way winning accolades and having her work displayed around the country.
The mother-of-two also teaches painting and drawing at her studios, is an art therapist at aged-care homes and is involved in a television show, Colour In Your Life, which screens on the 4ME network.
“Art is my passion,” Knight says. “If it was taken out of my life, a major part of my existence would be gone. I think I was born to be an artist.”
After displaying a natural flair for art and design at an early age, Knight was involved in graphic design before working in advertising and eventually as a freelance designer and illustrator.
But she was quickly drawn into the world of art and hasn’t looked back.
Her works range from landscapes to portraits, her subjects from flowers and animals to scenes from her travels to western suburbs landmarks such as Williamstown Botanic Gardens.
“I enjoy going on weekends away where I take photos of various landscapes and take them back and piece them together to create something different,” she said.
“From rainforests to rivers and lakes, there’s beauty all around us.”
Next weekend, work by Knight and other artists from across the west and beyond will be on display at the Rotary Club of Werribee’s annual art show, which carries a first prize of $5000.
Works will be on sale at the show, with a percentage from each sale going to charity, while Knight will conduct classes with her students.
“Sharing your knowledge and watching students improve and develop their skills is an amazing feeling,” she said.
“I hope I’m still teaching art when I’m 95 – I love it.”
The Rotary Club of Werribee Art Show is from October 24-26 at the Wyndham Civic Centre function rooms, 45 Princes Highway, Werribee.
For more details go to www.rotaryclubofwerribee.org.au.
