Retirement often marks the beginning of a quieter chapter, but for Pretoria’s Jennifer Doon, it became the start of something extraordinary. At an age when many might slow down, she picked up a paintbrush for the first time—with fading eyesight and zero experience—and unlocked a world she never knew existed. But here’s where it gets inspiring: just two years ago, Jennifer hadn’t even held a paintbrush. Her artistic journey began with wedding cakes and flower arrangements, but painting? That felt out of reach—until a late family friend nudged her toward an art class. Her husband, Pooran, declined due to colorblindness, but Jennifer took the leap. 'If you can draw a line, I can teach you to paint,' her friend’s teacher had said. And that was all it took.
Her first creation? Two teddy bears in charcoal. 'When I showed Pooran, his jaw dropped,' Jennifer recalls. 'I couldn’t believe it either.' That moment ignited a passion that led her to join a tight-knit art community, where she found joy in both creating and connecting. Fast forward to November 1, and Jennifer took a bold step: showcasing her work at an exhibition hosted by Rosalinda Interiors in Brooklyn. Among her pieces were vibrant depictions of Mount Fuji, jacarandas, and her favorite—blushing bride flowers. 'I was nervous,' she admits, 'but it turned out beautifully.'
And this is the part most people miss: Jennifer’s art isn’t just about painting—it’s about preserving memories. Having traveled to over twenty countries, from Japan to Ethiopia, she uses oil paints (her favorite medium) to capture the essence of her adventures. 'I never imagined I’d create the kind of art I once admired,' she says. Her teacher, Karen van der Merwe, has been instrumental, accommodating Jennifer’s vision challenges with patience and support. 'I joke that I’m a one-eyed Jack,' she laughs, 'but I’m amazed at what I can still achieve.'
Here’s the controversial part: Is it ever too late to start something new? Jennifer’s story screams 'no,' but many still hesitate. Even signing her paintings felt daunting at first. 'I was shy, even at my age,' she admits. But with encouragement, she did it—just in time for the exhibition. Pooran, her biggest fan, cherishes her paintings of palm trees and bluebells, reminders of his West Indies roots and UK life. Her advice? 'Go for it. You’ll be amazed at what you can create from nothing.'
So, what do you think? Is retirement the time to relax, or the perfect moment to reinvent yourself? Let’s debate in the comments—Jennifer’s story might just inspire your next bold move.
