An Essex artist is preparing to take her hobby to the next level as she prepares for her first exhibition at the Mill Arts and Events Centre in Rayleigh.

Linda Cope was made redundant from her job in 2009 at an oil company and used the situation to her advantage to develop her skills as an artist.

Linda said: “I was in a quandary as to how I would earn a living. I had been a senior manager for a large corporation with all the benefits and hard work that entailed for some 17 years – this was a big change, challenge and opportunity.”

Linda’s husband supported her to take the plunge and become a full-time artist. She said: “My husband Mick persuaded me to make the most of these years of my life and of the freedom from ‘corporate life’ that I now had. I also wanted to really make sure that I maximised this opportunity to do something that I really wanted”

Inspired by the late artist and personal hero Bob Ross, who spent many years teaching people to paint through his television programme The Joy of Painting,  Linda began to paint some stunning pictures of landscapes, wildlife, flowers, seascapes and decided to train as an instructor.

Linda’s training involved travelling and learning in the UK and Holland by instructor trainers who had worked with Bob Ross himself.  Linda said: “I loved it! The sheer joy of producing a great looking painting has never left me – I am still amazed when I stand back and look at a picture I have painted and think  ‘I did that –was it really me’. The sense of satisfaction is huge”

The exhibition, entitled The Joy of Flowers, is currently taking place at the Mill Arts and Events Centre until 12 December and will feature 11 separate pieces which will showcase Linda’s Flower oil paintings. If you are interested in joining Linda for a hobby class, she can be contacted on 07813 799740 or email linda.j.cope@btinternet.com