Burlesque performer Painting

I was born in Accra ,Ghana, West Africa.I was raised mainly in Africa, and spent time in Middle East and went to schools in Kenya,Bahrain,Tripoli and a few different schools in Uk.I was somewhat a global traveller in my formative years.I feel that this type of upbringing influences my style of painting and I draw on a variety of subjects to paint. I love the freedom of painting, Its so spontaneous and totally absorbing at the same time. I particularly enjoy life drawing. I studied anatomy and physiology when I was a massage therapist and worked with many body types,I feel this has helped me make a deeper connection to the human form when i'm painting a live model. I'm moved by most things beautiful in the world whether its a tree,as beautiful as the 'Umbrella trees' in Africa or merely the remains of a tree after being cut down,as in my painting 'Collateral Damage' . I have always been an Artist by nature! At 18 I was accepted into Fine Arts at the Cumbria Institute of Arts,University of Cumbria,but I turned down the place to follow another creative passion of mine, Acting! So off I went to the bright lights of London and studied Drama instead. However it was not until my 30's and two children later I returned to Art and completed my Diploma in Fine Arts. In the acting world I enjoyed theatre and the aspect of performing to a live audience. So with my art I also prefer working in the studio with a live model or if I use a photo its one I have taken so that my senses are alive with the immediate sense impressions of the surrounding environment . I am drawn to expressionistic Art and I love Art that calls on the free spirit of the artist. I hope you enjoy my art as much as I have in creating it.