Meet the author: Wendy Tait

Wendy Tait lives in Derbyshire and studied at the Joseph Wright School of Art. She produces designs for publication as greetings cards and has also written articles and illustrations for specialist art magazines.She has recently completed a commission from the Jersey Government to produce a series of flower paintings for postage stamps.

An Interview with Wendy

Where were you born?

Derby.

What is your educational background?
Art school from ages 13-15 and then night school classes.

What first got you interested in art?

Alway interested in painting, but had no opportunity apart from night school. Then I met a teacher who really inspired me, so despite having a young family, with my husbands support I began to paint and show my work.

How long have you been painting?

Successfully, about 30 years, but all my life really.

Where do you get your materials?

Art material catalogues and art shows.

How/Where did Search Press discover you?

I met Roz Dace when I was demonstrating on my stand at Hampton Court Flower Show.

What were your first thoughts when asked to write a book?

I was amazed and delighted - quickly followed by sheer terror!

Has publishing a book changed your life in anyway?

Absolutely!!! It has enabled me to continue doing what I love best, has been my introduction to so many interesting people and has given me the confidence to show that you don't have to have an art degree to enjoy painting.

Any tips for beginners?

So many tips, but most of all, enjoy what you do and paint, paint, paint!

What is your favourite craft tool?

My brushes. I love the fine point on them. I can do large paintings with fine detail. Global are now making the brush with my name on it.

Have you travelled for your craft?

When I first began, my husband and I travelled all over, from Scotland, Harrogate, through most of the midlands. London, Jersey and Sweden. At that time craft fairs were just beginning and I think it was a very good way of testing the public reaction to my work. Later, I was invited to join the Botanical Society and the Society of Floral Painters and have exhibited with them many times. I was also commissioned to paint a series of stamps for the Government of Jersey after they saw my work in Birmingham.

Where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration comes from the flowers, trees, fruit etc in all the different seasons of the year, though, seeing an exhibition of an artists work that I admire can also start my fingers itching to paint. There are so many wonderful artists about, so many mediums and techniques that I would love to master. When I paint, nothing else matters but the struggle to get what I feel down on canvas or paper. No matter if it is successful or not, while I am painting, all is right with the world.