Discovering the 'inner artist'

Jon Spencer has been helping people discover their inner artistic talents through a wet art style of painting.

Mr Spencer, an artist for most of his life, only discovered the Bob Ross style late in his life but said it was the best he had ever come across because the canvas accepted the paint easier.

He said he mostly painted land or sea scapes and he began teaching in Australia in 2002 as a certified instructor.

Mr Spencer said it took less than a day to create a picturesque scene and he had helped more than 1300 people and many disabled people realise they were artists.

Scott Broome, 16, has been working with Mr Spencer once a week for the past two years.

His mum, Cathie Broome, said Scott used to paint in a group scenario, but it was not successful because of his autism.

She said he enjoyed art, but really found his niche when he started taking lessons from Mr Spencer.

“Through Jon’s instruction Scott has developed his own style,” she said.

“He is really proud of his work, especially when his favourite doctor asked if she could hang one of his paintings in her office.

“It really boosted his self confidence and soon he will be able to paint from home.

“He loves coming to his classes and Jon has become more of a friend than just a mentor.”

She said the regular workshops had given him something that was his own and demonstrated he could contribute to life.