Art is my greatest passion. Art has always been my one true love. I love to learn anything creative.

Originally from Dunoon, now living in Kilmarnock with my husband, son, daughter and two cats, creating wonderful art at every opportunity.

I studied art and design for 5 years at various different colleges in the west of Scotland. I never really considered going on to art school, I had visited a few on a number of occasions and just didn’t feel that it was for me. I love working from home in my own environment. If you look at it another way technically, I have been working from home since I was old enough to pick up a paint brush. I just wasn’t getting paid!

My greatest inspiration has always been my Grandpa, Hugh Gardner. Sadly no longer with us but he always inspired me and encouraged me from a very young age. He was the one that taught me all about the colour pallete. I used to draw in pencil mostly as I was always scared that I would ruin my work,  Then one day he told me, “You will never be a great artist until you can paint.” Now all I ever do is paint and I absolutley love it!

My other huge influence is a great man called Carey Scott from Dunoon.

Carey taught me things that have helped shape who I am today.
Carey is also an artist himself and taught me how to draw trees. He also entered me into art competitions at a young age as well.

I would encourage any young artist starting out to not be scared, let your own imagination go wild and go beyond what you think is the limit to see where it takes you – you just might surprise yourself. Practice, practice, practice and after trying out so many techniques, you will find your own style eventually.

It took me until the age of nineteen or so to actually find out what my own style was. After years of trying to change and fit in with more traditional fine art style, I realised that I was ignoring my own unique style and was often disappointed in my work as a result. Once I accepted my own style I began to enjoy painting a whole lot more. So be yourself, embrace your own style and you will only grow as an artist.

<3 Charlotte <3