All my paintings come from my personal experiences: memorable places I've visited, fruit and veg or fish I've seen on market stalls, still life arrangements I've set up at home. I try to put lots of energy into my pictures. I've been painting for over 10 years but I only recently gave up my full-time job as a children's writer to pursue painting more seriously.

I mainly work in acrylics and oil pastels on canvas. I start by putting down layers of acrylics and then I apply finishing touches in oil pastels.

My painting entitled "My favourite socks" (left) was chosen for the 2006 Artshed calendar, raising money for the Hertfordshire Breast Cancer Unit Appeal. (See www.artshed-ware.com for more details.)

I'm also interested in textiles, using vintage and modern buttons and fabrics to create unique pieces of art. I became fascinated by buttons several years ago and soon built up a huge collection, so I decided it was about time I did something with them. My button pictures are very colourful and tactile.

I now paint from my home in Witney, Oxfordshire.

I also make handmade greeting cards, jewellery and gifts. To view them, visit my online shop at www.thegingerbreadgirl.co.uk

SCAM ALERT

Some unscrupulous individual (who seems to go by the name Keith most of the time) is sending out emails to models asking them to take part in photo shoots and is using my name and site on his emails to add some kind of authenticity (not that my site relates to modelling at all...). Please note that this man is a FRAUDSTER. Do not give him any personal details and most certainly do not send him money! I am a self-representing artist and have nothing to do with any third parties. Thank you.