Elstree artist Sharòn Cohen will hold her first exhibition in Radlett next month. But it was only with a large dose of determination that she created the beautiful paintings.

CAROLINE IMPEY reports

Sharòn Cohen sits back with a contented smile.

And she has every right to. After all, it was only last year that she was feeling so "physically and mentally exhausted" heading up a school's art department that she had absolutely no creative energy left with which to paint.

Things are very different now -- the 28-year-old's first exhibition of abstract oils and watercolours inspired by the human figure is on at the Radlett Centre next month and it is expected to arouse much attention.

But as Sharòn readily admits, going from a steady salaried job to a way of life which is anything but, was a rather frightening venture.

"It was a huge decision to give up teaching -- a job which I loved but which left me with no time or energy to paint -- and I had to think about it long and hard," said Sharòn, who lives with her husband Lewis in West View Court, Elstree. "The fear of not knowing what will happen is overwhelming and you question whether or not it is the right thing to do.

"Ultimately, of course, it was the right thing for me to do. I think it is a bit of a misconception that you are giving up the "security" of a pay packet if you know you should be doing something else with your life."

In true artist style, as soon as she resigned from the post Sharòn felt a surge of creativity and rushed home to her awaiting easel.

"I felt this massive release," she said. "It was like everything I hadn't been able to feel for so long came out in this one painting. It was just amazing. And I have to say it hasn't really stopped. I've just been on a roll since then and it's just getting better and better."

Of course the small matter of needing to earn a living doesn't go away. So until she really makes a name for herself as a artist, Sharòn gives individual art tuition at her home, takes classes for adults and children at the Radlett Centre and puts in a few hours a week administrating at the venue.

She said: "I really enjoy teaching as I find it very rewarding. I wanted to continue in some way, just not full time. So I put a few cards in shop windows in Radlett and asked at the Radlett Centre if they had ever thought about setting up classes. It all just took off from there."

When I suggest that as well as being a very gifted artist she is also a bit of an entrepreneur, Sharòn shrugs and tells me that everyone has the power to do what ever they want -- its just a matter of unleashing it.

"I'm a firm believer in the power of the mind," she said. "Anybody can do anything if they really want it enough and have the will to keep going when things get tough -- which inevitably they will. You make your own success.

"Having said that, I've also had a lot of support from my husband. He's been there for me through all the fear and the difficult times, always believing in me and knowing I can do it," she adds.

And that contented little smile returns.

Sharòn Cohen's exhibition of watercolours and oils will be opened by the Mayor of Hertsmere David Banks on Tuesday. It will run at the Radlett Centre in Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, throughout February every day except Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Telephone 01923 859291.

There are a few days left to see artist Ron Richer's exhibition at the Radlett Centre.

His impressive range of oils and watercolours includes landscapes and city views from Paris and Venice to more local scenes of Radlett and St Albans. Mr Richer lives in Radlett.

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