Jaya Perrier loves colour and it’s evident in her oils which are now hanging at Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art.

It’s the first public exhibit of her work; she’s sharing the spotlight with another artist, Sophia Fortuna.

The 38-year-old spoke with Lifestyle about developing her passion and the terror of putting it on display.

Why did you decide to show your work and are you nervous about sharing it with the public?

I started painting more frequently earlier this year. I approached Alana [DeSilva] at Masterworks to get a sense of the opportunities available to amateur artists, and I guess the timing was right because she mentioned this joint exhibit. I am so happy to have this opportunity and, yes, I’m extremely nervous. I never thought that I would be sharing my art with the public so soon.

What kind of art do you make?

Oils, usually loose and impressionistic. I love colours so you will see a lot of bright and vibrant colours in my paintings. I have just started painting regularly, so still playing with various subjects, but so far I have really enjoyed painting Bermudian houses and chimneys, and the spring flowers.

How did you get started?

I enjoyed sketching and painting as a child but unfortunately I never pursued it beyond my early school years.

I always knew that I wanted to try oils because I grew up seeing my mom make beautiful oil paintings. I have painted on and off for the past few years, but never consistently.

Earlier this year, I stumbled upon {Kentucky artist] Dreama Tolle Perry’s workshop and that has truly changed my life. She is a fantastic teacher and her class has given me the confidence to keep painting and learning from my mistakes. My family, especially my husband, has been very supportive in making sure that I carve out a few hours every week to paint, which is not very easy with a full-time job and two young kids.

How did you end up exhibiting with Sophia?

We were paired by Masterworks. I haven’t met Sophia yet but I’m really looking forward to it.

Do you feel your work complements each other’s?

That one is a little hard to answer since I have not seen the whole range of her work that is in the exhibit. But the few that I have seen in the pictures are very nice.

Age?

I’ve just turned 38, and I’m really excited about doing something so unlike my regular job. I call it my mid-life crisis.

What do you do?

I am an actuary and I work at Validus. So this is actually quite different for me.

How many pieces are you showing?

11.

How long did it take to create them?

About two months. They are not very large pieces, except one. I am very thankful to Frameworks for such a quick turnaround on the frames.

Is there a theme to the show?

Most of the pieces are influenced by things around us; architecture, gardens and the ocean. I am lucky to be in Bermuda as I don’t have to travel very far for inspiration.

What do you hope most people take away what from your work?

I would like my work to be seen as a celebration of colours, a celebration of the beauty that resides in simple things around us. Painting makes me very happy, and I hope that sentiment is conveyed in my work.

Any teachers/mentors/famous artists who inspired or helped you?

I am very fortunate to be surrounded by people who have been very supportive. My mom has been the creative influence in my life and she has encouraged me to pick up the brush again.

I love Dreama Tolle Perry. Her art is amazing and her workshop has helped me immensely. Her paintings always make me smile, they are so full of life and happiness.

I really like [American oil painter] Edward Hopper’s works. The play of shadow and light in his paintings is so beautiful.

With respect to Bermudian artists, I cannot say enough good things about Lexy at the DNA Creative Shoppe. She is so generous with her time and advice. She is an excellent artist, and she is always so very helpful. I really respect her suggestions.

I would also love to learn from Rhona Emmerson. Her work is so lovely and I thought her recent exhibit at Masterworks was inspirational.

I also really admire Diana Amos’s paintings. Her annual calendar is a favourite and sent to our families in India and Canada every year.

•Jaya Perrier & Sophia Fortuna Joint Exhibition is on display in the Rick Faries Gallery until September 6.