A LIFETIME'S love of horses has motivated a Darlington art student to showcase her work to the public for the first time.

Paintings by the 18-year-old Louise Turner will be exhibited at the Shout About Art pop-up exhibition on Sunday (November 16), at Hurworth Grange, Hurworth, near Darlington.

The Cleveland College of Art & Design student said: “I’ve never exhibited any of my work before so I’m a bit nervous about the reaction I’ll get.

“I’ve been around horses all my life, my mum has a horse and I learnt to ride when I was only four years old.

“I love the power and the grace that they exude and the elegant way in which they move and this is what I try to capture in my paintings.”

A former student of Haughton Academy, Darlington, she was inspired to pursue her love of drawing by art teacher David Haskett.

“Most of my teachers were pushing me down the academic route but Mr Haskett allowed me to express myself and my personality through art," she said.

“I’d always loved painting but also wanted to be a vet when I was at school so painting animals is absolutely perfect.”

She is one of 22 artists due to showcase their work at Shout About Art.

The exhibitions are the concept of artist and college lecturer Donna Slyfield, enabling up and coming artists and designer makers to demonstrate their creative skills alongside established artists.

Visitors will have the opportunity to view, buy and commission original artwork, from fine art, jewellery, textiles, ceramics, print, illustration and photography.

Entry is £2 at the door with under 14s free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Exhibitors will also be featured on the Shout About Art website – shoutaboutart.com