A BRADFORD on Avon born artist is counting down the days until her exhibition goes on display at a gallery in London.

Jane Rist, 53, brought up in Hilperton and a former John of Gaunt School pupil, and friend Beryl White, 52, are taking their 'Marks on Paper' exhibition to the R K Burt Co Ltd gallery in Waterloo from April 27-May 5.

More than 50 of their works of landscapes, portraits, abstracts and much more are on display.

“We are very excited. We cannot wait but we are a little nervous too. After all it is our debut,” said Mrs Rist, who takes her inspiration from the Wiltshire and Hampshire countryside as well as the Cornish coast.

“Hopefully this can be a springboard for us both. Although it is quite a small exhibition you have to start somewhere and this is a great starting point.

“I am counting down the days. There is quite a lot of admin work to do but we are pretty well organised, we are on track and hopefully it will go down a treat.

“We are very excited to have this opportunity to take our work to a wider audience and welcome all to our private view from 12-2pm on the first day.”

For this exhibition Mrs Rist has been concentrating on a new series of small pieces based on what she feels rather than what she sees.

“Rather than realistic interpretations of what I see these pieces are about how I feel and the creation of mood. When something has left an impression on me I hope to recreate that impression on others,” she said.

The artists, who both now live in Hampshire, began their journey to professional level six years ago when they took a foundation course, both attaining distinctions.

“This is somewhat of a second career for us both and it is very exciting. We chose this place as when I did my qualifications in London I used to walk by it everyday so it is a good place to begin,” said Mrs Rist.