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ABOUT ME

I am a professional Artist with home and studio gallery STUDIO61  in the village of Lea, near Matlock, Derbyshire in the Heart of England.  My inspiration comes from the varied landscapes and landmarks, always with the emphasis on colour and atmosphere.

My latest works form part of The Home Sweet Home and Seaside Collections and have a unique quirky style.  These are often mistaken for acrylics owing to their colour and depth.  I love to create texture and enjoy using different types of salts, squirting lots of water and then waiting to see the results. I am fascinated with ravaged trees and skies and this is reflected in my more atmospheric watercolours.

My passion for walking gives me the opportunity to acquire some amazing photographs and my landscapes are mainly from photos taken whilst out walking or from images floating around in my head..

 

I would describes my life as happy and hectic!  With two children,  a busy husband and running my business, time is of an essence;  my  days out walking are “recharging the batteries” days.

Likes:          Music (Pink Floyd, AC/DC), Walking, Reading, Good Food (veggie) & Red Wine    

                  Monsall Head,  Cornwall,  People,  Friends & Family, My Home and being as daft as possible with kids

Dislikes:      Shopping, Fashion, Football, TV (apart from Life on Mars and Grand Designs)      

                  Bad manners and miserable people………………………Life is too short

Outlook on life:          Cherish yesterday… Dream about Tomorrow….Live for Today

 

Born in 1961, I was raised in Sutton-in-Ashfield, North Notts and consider myself very fortunate to have had a very happy childhood.  Many long summers were spent camping in the Peak District and Derbyshire Dales with my Mum, Dad, younger sister and brother.

WHAT SCHOOL AND CAREER

I attended Eastbourne Secondary School and upon leaving attended college for two years studying Business Studies. This led to a career within the NHS spanning 18 years, the latter 8 of which were with the Mental Health Service.  

 

WHAT GOT ME STARTED

I left The Health Service in 1996 to have my daughter, followed by my son in 1997 and took up watercolours purely as a hobby in 2000. A family friend Bernard inspired me to have a go.  I attended a 6 week beginner’s course at the Patchings Art Centre, Calverton and then enjoyed painting / tuition with a family friend, Sue Wright. For my 40th birthday my family packed me off on a painting holiday in Gloucestershire at the home of International artist Ron Ransom (what a lovely gentleman) and since then I have not looked back.

 

 MY FAMILY

After spending more and more leisure time in the Peak District with husband and children we subsequently moved into the village of Lea in 2002.                                                 

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