A Whaddon artist who took up watercolour painting during lockdown is having her work displayed at Curwens Art Gallery.

Paintings by Barbara Harries are currently on show at the gallery, which is part of Curwens Solicitors in Royston.

Barbara started painting in 2020, while looking for a creative outlet during the pandemic, and has not looked back since.

Royston Crow: Mayor Cllr Lisa Adams with artist Barbara HarriesMayor Cllr Lisa Adams with artist Barbara Harries (Image: Diana Smith)

Her small garden studio has now become her creative sanctuary, where she creates watercolours inspired by the wildlife around her.

Exhibition curator Diana said: "Barbara hadn’t envisioned trying to sell her work but having seen the notice in the Curwens window she got in touch with me and after a bit of encouragement she was soon ready to take part in an exhibition.

"Without the generosity of the solicitors firm to share their space as part of a non- profit community scheme, Barbara probably wouldn’t have taken this step.

"It’s often hard for artists to feel confident about their work and there’s nothing like making a sale to get the validation that someone else likes your art."

Curwens solicitor Mark Fitzpatrick facilitates the art gallery, where last year's mayor Cllr Mary Antony is a frequent visitor, along with current mayor Cllr Lisa Adams.

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Mark is a former chef for the London Hilton Hotel and the House of Lords, so provides "top quality" nibbles.

Barbara said she enjoys having the freedom to express herself, and added: "I realise that in the current economic climate people may be hesitant to buy original paintings, so I’ve decided to provide more affordable art in the form of limited edition signed and framed prints.

"It was lovely to see Councillor Lisa Adams at my recent open evening.

"We are long standing friends but meeting up in her official capacity as Royston mayor I felt I should be curtsying, but she settled for our usual hug!"

Barbara's paintings are currently on display in the window of Curwens Solicitors at 17 High Street.

Other artists' work is also on display inside the gallery, and can be viewed and purchased within Curwens' regular opening hours of 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.