The first miniature I painted, took a few hours to complete, the second, much the same time. I soon discovered that not only could I paint quickly I was also happy with the results. Over the next few weeks I spent a few hours a day copying yet another painting, until a small table was covered in them.
My studio space consisted of a wooden tray, a small tin of paints and newly purchased water colour papers. Next to them sat a pile of books, waiting to have their images copied. The size of the materials and space to work in, dictated the size of work I could produce which was near miniature form.
I felt a feeling of complete sense of calm and quiet joy when I picked up the brushes to create yet another piece of work. I would soon be lost in time and thought. This wonderful experience came as a complete surprise to me.
Friends who saw the paintings, asked if they could buy them, being rather proud that they liked them, I just gave them away.
During the coming months my husband and a friend decided that they would like to climb to Base Camp on Everest and raise money for the Anthony Nolan fund. This was a great opportunity for him in his Gap year. He asked me if I could start asking for payment for the paintings, rather than giving them away and put the money in the fund. I was delighted to know friends were more than happy to pay for the work.
A few months into the gap year I was given the opportunity to go to Cornwall and indulge myself in a whole week just painting. All my focus was on creating one very involved piece of work. Painting without interruption and enjoying early morning walks along the cliffs.
One morning, whilst watching the sun rise, I experienced a feeling of such intense calm and happiness, the like I have never known before. I cannot even begin to explain where the decision came from, but from that moment on I knew without doubt, I needed to paint, and I was going to be an Artist.
It felt as if someone had shown me a new world and as I opened the door and stepped into it. I was going home , it was where I belonged. All very surreal.