By ALESHA CAPONE
YING Chi had never picked up a paintbrush until six years ago.
But the talented artist is now an accomplished painter with several prizes to her sit alongside her easel.
For the past few years Ms Chi has been taking part in an arts program at the Amaroo Outreach Day Service in Williamstown.
Recently one of her paintings received the judge’s first prize at the tenth annual State Trustees CONNECTED Art Exhibition at Federation Square.
In addition, Ms Chi’s artwork won the Allan Merigan People’s Choice Award in the competition, a prize she took she also took home from last year’s contest.
Ms Chi studied Chinese literature and economics in fine art before moving to Australia more than a decade ago.
“I started painting in 2006. I never touched paint and brushes before then but I loved art in nature,” Ms Chi said.
“I love oil painting. The more I practice, the more I like it and the better the outcome is.
“I feel like we live in such a wonderful country. I like to observe and capture the spirit of nature, subjects and people and paint my feelings into the canvas and make my motif last forever.
“I was very excited and happy when I heard when I heard that I was the first prize winner in the 10th annual State Trustees CONNECTED Art Exhibition.
“It is very important for me to be recognised by the public and I feel more confidence to continue my art.
“This success very meaningful for me and it what makes all my efforts in art worthwhile.”
This year Ms Chi also had her first solo art exhibition at the Louis Joel Gallery in Altona after taking part in several group exhibitions across Melbourne.
