From Service to Studio: My Journey
G’day, I’m Eraine McArthur – a 32-year veteran of the Australian Defence Force, now channelling three decades of service as a Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps (RAANC) nurse into watercolour art for healing.
My story began differently than expected. After missing out on physiotherapy at uni (by just one mark!), I chose nursing – a decision leading to an extraordinary military career as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps. For over three decades, I served our nation, deployed to the Solomon Islands, worked in military hospitals, and led teams through crisis.
The Turning Point
In 2020, on my birthday, I walked into Eckersley’s art store and bought watercolours, a flower and landscape tutorial books. I haven’t looked back since. What started as curiosity became my lifeline when the ADF forced my transition in 2021 through a Command Initiated Transfer to Reserves – essentially ending my career without the redundancy payout.
During this same period, I was accepted into the ADF ARRTS program – what I call my “gold watch” after 31 years of service. Through the writing program, I discovered not just creative expression, but a community of veterans who understood the unique challenges of transition.
Art as Medicine
Living with PTSD isn’t easy. After trying traditional treatments – from SSRIs to nerve ablation for chronic pain – I found watercolour painting offered something different. Each brushstroke became meditation. Every completed piece, a small victory against the chaos.
Using my ADF retraining money, I began studying art therapy through CECAT. Four years in, I’m still learning – not just about art, but about myself. Late-(self)diagnosed ADHD has explained so much about my learning style and creative process.
Life on the NSW South Coast
Today, from my studio on the beautiful South Coast, I create art capturing the Australian landscape and wildlife, grounding me in the present moment. My husband Robert and I are working on our boat, Blu Emu, planning to explore if the cruising life suits us. As a mother to Max and Tomas, I’ve learned love and sacrifice take many forms – and creativity, caring and love can be passed down through generations.
Why Art4Veterans
This isn’t just about selling prints. It’s about showing fellow veterans and anyone dealing with trauma how creative practice can be a powerful wellness tool. The military taught me discipline, resilience, and service. Art taught me how to transform pain into beauty.
When you purchase from Art4Veterans, you’re supporting a veteran-owned small business and joining a mission to normalise creative practice as mental health support.