I try to express myself through my paintings – try to capture the joy with colour and bold strokes and mark making. I learnt along the way that I am unique. The only person on planet earth with my fingerprint. That my talent is a gift from God and that I should not waste it!

I have been drawing for as long as I can remember. As a young girl, my school books were covered in sketches – much to my Mother's dismay. At home I had an easel in my bedroom and I painted there on most days.

However, my drawing and painting career screeched to a halt after I finished school and was exposed to the varied work of other artists. That pesky inner voice would tell me that I was not good enough and I would compare my work to other artists. I gave up and I packed away my paints and brushes.

However, the urge to create was ever present. I loved plants and flowers, gardens and interior design and I flung myself wholeheartedly into these creative pursuits. About 10 years ago I found myself in an art shop. I bought 4 paintbrushes and took them home with me. They sat on my table for a week or two after which I packed them away in my cupboard. With age does come wisdom and I finally reached the point where I realised I was afraid...afraid to paint again! Thankfully, I chose to pick them up again and I did start painting again and I haven't looked back.

These are my paintings. I hope you enjoy them.