A FORMER medical research scientist who started painting after struggling with ill health is holding an exhibition of her work.

Watercolour artist Sarah Hill, from Durham, who started experimenting with painting after being almost incapacitated with an asthmatic condition, is putting on the exhibition at Crook Hall and Gardens.

For most of her working life Ms Hill was a medical research scientist but she took a career break to have her three children and never went back, now spending her time caring for her family and painting.

She said: “Having spent a serious chunk of time in poor health I really appreciate the beauty in the everyday things around me. My children, the light in the trees, reflections in water, flowers friends have sent me when I was ill and the absolute glory of all the seasons.

“The North of England has some amazing countryside and some of the warmest people - I am inspired by all of these things.”

She exhibits her work at local exhibitions, galleries and art shows and runs informal watercolour workshops at Crook Hall, in Frankland Lane, Durham, each month.

She also shares a studio space with artist Jenny Ulyatt in Durham city centre and together they teach watercolour workshops to children in schools across the North-East and Manchester.

The exhibition is on display until March 4 and both original paintings and prints are available to buy.

She will be doing a meet and greet event tomorrow, between 1pm and 3pm at Crook Hall, which is an opportunity for people to see her work and find out more about her inspiration and methods.