I have lived in Teesdale in Northern England for more than 15 years and has been painting for about 3 years. I had a passion for photography dancing and walking, but since developing a painful and restricting illness, I have successfully channelled these former loves into my art. An artist friend who runs classes locally (Geoff Hewitt) has helped me enormously. Although art was a favourite subject at school, adult life took me on many swings and roundabouts before circumstances virtually forced me try painting again. So, in later life here I am, a relative newcomer to the art world, but I must say I have been pleasantly surprised at the amount of interest in my work. I made the finals at a prestigious Northern England art competition with my picture 'Safe Seat' which also sold, and sales in local galleries is slowly transforming my cosy hobby into a slightly more serious concern... More recently I have been fortunate to have had a painting ('Masterclass' By Jane Stallwood) accepted into the Royal Academy of Art Summer Exhibition.