Diana Surridge

'I always felt I would be able to paint, but with no training, and no time until last year, I have been slow in achieving my ambition. For a lot of my working life I have been involved with colour and design in the rag trade, so it was a natural progression to put it to paper.

For the last year I have painted prolifically, trying every kind of media to hand and a variety of subjects. I enjoyed them all but I seem to have settled on watercolour - loving the purity of it and the challenge to perfect and get the right density and feelings behind the composition. I tend to favour subjects with light and sun, and a happy feel, whether peaceful or busy.

I feel my paintings suit greeting cards and they have already sold very well in a few 'trial outlets' - they are quite traditional - but have a difference about them.'