Nonagenarian artist paints up a storm

Maureen with some of the many paintings from her exhibition.

McKenzie Buderim Views resident Maureen Mayall is determined to keep her paintbrush in hand as she ticks off another art exhibition, but this time from her aged care home.

The first of her many planned exhibitions featured 20 pieces of her artwork up for sale at the home earlier this month, showcasing what she has been working on since moving to Buderim Views.

“I really want to continue to meet new people and show that you can still achieve whatever you set your mind to in aged care,” Maureen said.

“I have held many exhibitions throughout my life because I was in a position where I had to.

“I worked as a Naval Drawing Officer for many years but then my husband Peter got very ill.

“I would work all day, rush home at night, do the things I that had to be done and then would paint until 12 o’clock at night to hold an exhibition to pay for the mortgage.”

Now in her 90s, Maureen says much of her work is inspired by what is around her which fills up her days.

“The inspiration for my artwork comes from what I see outside and memories I have, otherwise my brain just tells me what I should be doing.

“Everything happens for me in the way of art, and I have been like it all my life so I’m going to make the most of it now.”

With the first exhibition in aged care under her belt, she is excited to continue her artist journey with plans in the works for her next exhibition already.

“I feel as though today went really well with lovely entertainment in the background and members of the public coming into our home.

“The money I receive from sales is going to charity and the remainder to replenish my art supplies so I can hold another exhibition.”