I couldn’t even begin to write down how many wonderful experiences I have had. In brief, I was at my happiest when I became independent and in control of my own life. Anything prior to that was interesting to say the least.

I love being around people who I have a connection with. From as young as 16 and working part time in a hairdressers on Saturdays all day for £10, to selling my artwork for thousands, my outlook on life, love, hard work and money have never changed. I understood and accepted I would probably never sell my artwork full time so did my best to carve a career out of the things I enjoy, I worked in window display, travel and sales but always continued to paint. It’s what I do.

I fell in love, travelled, moved and changed career direction which originally started as a sales role for a gallery. Little did I know that I had found another comfort zone which I never thought would be possible. The environment, the people, the art, the artists… I loved it. The gallery role grew from sales to directing artists. I still painted. I worked hard. I painted. I worked hard… I had a choice to make… I was selling a lot of work and the time was right to leave an amazing job to do my longest standing desire. Paint. So I did.
I also didn’t know that my future would hold something even more precious and important to me until I held my son and daughter on the days they were born. My life couldn’t get any better than that. Married to the most supportive loving gentleman and having two beautiful children with him.
Of course I can still paint with a baby (I am a quiet, peaceful painter). I tried, I took Seb to my studio twice and the desire to play or cuddle with him was a far greater draw than the canvas (and that takes a lot)… So I decided to be patient as this wasn’t my time to paint, it was my time to nurture. After Olivia’s arrival I realised that things would be on hold for a little while longer but when I could, I would paint.

And here I am still full of ideas and dreams of how my families future will be. How when both of my little ones are at school I will paint and sculpt. How I will look after them until they leave and become independent adults. How I will grow old with the man I love and travel with him and just be.
I have been forced to change my dreams but I do know that I would never change anything in the past 13 years. I also know in my heart that those who count will help keep my dreams alive and support my husband in making them happen. And to those, thank you with all my heart.

Charlotte (Charly to some) x