Community painting in pastels

IMPRESSIVE creative work shone at a two-day art workshop by an award-winning artist for Indigo U3A (University of the Third Age) members this week. Nine members from U3A’s Scribblers group enjoyed the 9.30am to 4pm sessions under well-known artist Jennifer Paull, held at the Old Beechworth Railway Station in Harper Avenue. Jennifer - an oil and pastel artist - hails from near Benalla. She is also a signatory member of both the Victorian Artists Society and the Pastel Society of Victoria Australia. U3A participant Mike Bydder said it was terrific being a member of the supportive U3A group. Mike said he joined the Scribblers cohort about four years ago. He said the workshop gave participants the chance to gain more experience and knowledge. “It's just good to be able to come along and learn how to draw and paint and the group is terrific,” he said. “It was good to watch Jennifer go through the process that I really enjoyed.” Scribblers tutor and volunteer for the weekly-run art group Deb Borleis said she had invited Jennifer to run the special workshop as the group enjoyed working in pastels. U3A member Neil Townsend said the workshop had been a great opportunity to learn from a professional artist. Jennifer led the group by demonstrating with one of her landscapes in pastel, with most participants electing to undertake the same one she worked on while others delved into other subjects. “They've all done extremely well, I'm very proud of all of them as they are virtually all beginners and I'm really impressed,” Jennifer said. “I've had the best time today, and I hope they've all enjoyed themselves as much as I have.” Jennifer said the course is good for anyone, anywhere who felt they would like to be creative in some way. “It doesn't matter what you do but pastel is a wonderful medium,” she said. “It's easy to use and messy but it's a lot of fun, very versatile and I love it.” An artist for more than 50 years, Jennifer said she started painting in oil - using the medium for a long time before taking up working in pastel in 2005. Jennifer’s artwork stretches from portrait and human figure to still life and landscapes. Regular exhibitions held in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, New York and Victoria’s North East followed her first exhibition in 1983. An exhibition of her work in August last year held at the Art Gallery on Ovens in Wangaratta had been Jennifer's fourth exhibition at the local artist-run community gallery.

Community painting in pastels

Children’s creative art program takes off

Chance for wine lovers to taste some of Australia’s best wines

New Stanley stage set to engage

Contributing to Beechworth’s history

Award-winning author returns to local roots

Ovens & Murray Advertiser, Friday, 18 September, 2026

Students bring wonderland to life

Digital Editions Archive - Regional Extra

Chasing platypus: survey of the Ovens catchment begins

Most popular stories