Maungatapu artist Sue MacDougall makes no apology for being a little unconventional.

During her 20 years in Greece, she went as far as smuggling stray dogs to the UK to get them re-homed.

Her passion for helping animals continues today.

When she was announced as the winner of The Original Art Expo and Jensen Supreme Art Award, she exclaimed a word that can’t be published.

“I was completely gobsmacked when I heard my name,” laughed MacDougall.

Sue’s second reaction was to share her unexpected windfall.

She used the prize money to buy another artist’s work and also donated a portion to a cat sanctuary in Greece.

“That enabled two more cats to be de-sexed,” said MacDougall.

Inspiration and emotion

Her winning canvas, “Delighted to Meet You”, was inspired by blooming Proteas.

“I had tears in my eyes. That’s how much emotion there was. I haven’t won anything like that before,” said MacDougall.

“The art world can be a little conservative and I’m a bit of a bright spark.”

The judge’s comment complimented the balance of her work. “He said there are quiet places to rest in my painting,” said MacDougall.

“I love the magenta; it really is my colour. That and teal and then I also mix my own colours. One of them I call ‘mud’ and that tends to be where the quietness is.”

Back at home, a 708sq m section with stunning water views, one of MacDougall’s cats slinks amongst the tropical plants that serve as inspiration for her exuberant abstract art.

Her garden is her other love – and it will be on show in the Bay of Plenty Garden & Art Festival from November 14-17.

“I’ll have prints and some potted plants for sale,” said MacDougall.

“I have a neighbour who has succulents and a sculptor friend from Ohope who will be here too.”

Pops of bright colour

Her garden reflects her creative energy with pops of bright colour; brightly striped sun loungers, pansies among cobblestones and pink flamingos that remind MacDougall of her mother.

Stone sculptures that she carved years ago sit at the base of a palm and she pauses to run her hands over its trunk, telling it: “I think you’re gorgeous!”

MacDougall still returns to Greece each year, hosting art retreats on the idyllic island of Aegina.

She loves the idea that others get a sense of joy and happiness from her work.

“Because I’m a vibrant person and I appreciate when people are bold enough to put my paintings up in their house,” said MacDougall.

“It’s all about being happy.” For more information on art retreats; www.lovemygreece.com