I loved art at school but was pushed into doing academic subjects so stopped aged 11. When my son was young he liked me to draw his scary early learning battle figures and would get very cross if they weren’t very good so I had to really focus! With my busy job, kids, horses and dogs, I never had time for art. But then I saw an art course advertised locally and asked my husband for it as a Christmas present. I absolutely loved it and since then I have watched lots of tutorials and practised as much as possible.

I find my brain is quick, easily distracted and a bit scatter-brained - which is probably reflected in my style! However, when painting I find I am able to absorb myself into the art and so find drawing and painting very relaxing - and luckily the results can be encouraging! I’d like to think my style was about exhilaration, feeling happy and content, using vibrant colour and shape that shows passion and is uplifting.

Instinct tends to guide me, and excitement leads me as I paint, being bold with the colours and images, and almost allowing the colours and strokes to take on their own journey.

My subjects are varied, but from what I have produced I think I’m most inspired by nature and particularly by the sea.

I love spending time by the water and I’m very lucky my husband loves travelling, so although we live right in the middle of England, we do lots of trips to the coast in the UK as well as occasional big adventures abroad. We have visited Thailand, Canada, UAE and many stunning locations across the UK and are often taken aback by the amazing mountains and lakes. I always take a lot of photos when we’re away and these often inspire my pictures.

I mostly work with acrylic, but also enjoy water colours and pencil work.