Artist transforms blank canvas of life with paint brush

When Jose McInnes was born with a blank canvas to decide the story of her life, it was her gift of art that painted the colourful journey to come.

READY TO PAINT: Buderim artist Jose McInnnes with artwork of herself and her grandson. Picture: Warren Lynam

WHEN Jose McInnes was born with a blank canvas to decide the story of her life, it was her gift of art that painted the colourful journey to come.

The woman's love affair with art can be seen in the many beautiful paintings and intricate sculptures that decorate her Buderim home.

"It's just part of me,” she said.

"When I do it, I don't know where I am because I become completely involved in it. It's a wonderful thing.”

Mrs McInnes has fit so much life into her 77 years, yet her passion for painting stands out as a true source of joy.

After being born in Egypt, she expanded on her skills while studying at the Chelsea College of Arts in London and the East Sydney Technical College.

Speaking five languages fluently, Mrs McInnes was able to travel across the world, including to New Caledonia where she met her other true love, her husband Mark.

Their 30-year marriage ended when Mark died of cancer. Mrs McInnes said she wouldn't had survived the tragedy without her creative output.

"Cancer is a horrible thing. It doesn't matter how old you are. But art helped me a lot, it really got me back on my feet because I was down for a long time,” she said.

Mrs McInnes has exhibited her works across the Coast, winning two first prize titles for her self-portrait paintings that she said are inspired by Van Gogh.

Now a regular at Buderim's Craft Cottage, she has only one thought when it comes to the future of her art journey.

"I can't stop. I'll always keep doing it for as long as I can.”