What's a girl to do when all she wants is to be able to paint, but she lacks the skills?

Well, Jitske Schokking decided to just give it a go, and give it a go she did.

Jitske Schokking surrounded by the last years' worth of art. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

'I thought I wouldn't mind having a go at it. And I've always had in my mind that I would like to paint but I've never had time.”

Jitske attended last year's Mount Art Group art exhibition, and says she decided it was time to try painting herself.

The Mount Art Group will be holding their annual exhibition at the Mount Surf Club, Main Beach, Mount Maunganui, on April 22-24.

The exhibition will be open from 9-5 daily, and entry is free.

In one year, Jitske has gone from no painting skills to completing six individual original pieces of art.

Jitske completed the Mount Art Group's 6-week beginner class last May and says that she's been working on and completing her six art pieces over the last four months.

'I paint mostly at home, but I come here to get inspiration and to look at other people,” she says.

'They're all doing different things.”

Going to a beginners painting class didn't scare new artist Jitske, despite never having painted before, and she encourages everybody to consider painting.

'I think there were eight of us [beginners] and no one had ever done anything before. We were all the same.

'I just think that anybody who's thinking about painting should just do it and shouldn't wait too long.”

A painting corner for children will be available at the exhibition and club members will be working on art pieces during the exhibition.

Mt Maunganui art students will also be exhibiting some of their work.