Suzanne Goldberg
People’s Choice Winner, November 201: Water Lilies through Fog – oil on canvas

When it comes to all things art and craft, there's not much Suzanne Goldberg won't try. She has put her hand to pottery, sewing and fashion design, ikebana (the art of Japanese flower arranging) and is currently completing a jewellery manufacturing course.

But there is one pursuit that has stuck a little firmer than all the others, and that is oil painting.

"I started oil painting with Stephen in 1988 in Vaucluse and I've still got my first drawings that I did in charcoal," says Suzanne. She continued attending lessons until 1999 when family and work commitments forced a prolonged absence.

Suzanne picked up her paintbrushes again in 2009 and is delighted to be back at her easel. Her talent was recognised this year when she received the People's Choice award for her painting Water Lilies through Fog at the annual Balmain Art School Student Exhibition.

"I was really honoured," says Suzanne. "It gives me impetus to keep painting. I enjoy it anyway but it's nice to know other people are enjoying what you are producing. I'm sorry I gave painting up for that time because I think if you are artistic and you don't find a way to express yourself then a part of you is missing. It's wonderful to be back painting, I feel alive again."

Suzanne says the thicker the paint application the better. She loves striking colours, creating texture on the canvas and painting landscapes that feature water.

"Water is a major inspiration," she explains. "Living on the coast and being surrounded by water all the time has such an impact on your life."

The student exhibition has proven a great feedback tool for Suzanne, who is keen to produce saleable pieces.

"It's lovely to be able to showcase your pieces in a gallery environment with lots of people coming by and having a look."