During my childhood I loved to draw animals. Unfortunately I was put off pursuing my love by an art teacher in school that I was afraid of. She put the fear of God into everyone. Her strict rules and rigid opinions stifled my creativity, and the thought of her cruelty put me off completely, in essence disconnecting me from my love of expression.

Many years later I picked up a pencil and produced some very poor drawings. I was going through some very stressful life changes, and drawing helped to free me from my mind. I practiced reproducing photographs of animals from magazines and books, seemingly endlessly.

Finally I began recapturing my sense of art, and even began to surpass my former standards. I joined a local art group, and exhibited and sold several of my pencil works.

With a need to develop more skills and techniques, I purchased a set of charcoals and adapted my style, forsaking my first love.

On numerous occasions I picked up a brush and set of paints with great hesitation, only to put them back down again frustrated and disillusioned.

It was not until I was on vacation in Las Vegas in the summer of 2005 that I had the opportunity and privilege of staying and working with the great Charlie Holm. With Charlie’s guidance and patience, I overcame my confusion with colour. I found a passion for painting which I had previously underestimated.

The passion continues unabated. Before I have completed one piece of art, thoughts of the next peice cascade through my mind . My inspiration comes quicker than my fingers can paint.

Mixing a full time job, a five year old daughter and I part time degree my painting is limited to commission only, but as the painting evolves so does my vision for the future.

- Zoe Jones