PAINTINGS will go on display at a new exhibition in Leigh that launches this week.

Annabel Dee’s gallery will see work by Southend artist Terry Sibson, with a private view on Saturday. The exhibition will run until October 13.

Originally trained as a teacher, and working as a special needs co-ordinator, Terry took up painting 15 years ago, initially just to keep her youngest daughter company as the pair decided to attend art classes together under the guidance of local painter and tutor Reg Smith.

Although her daughter stopped painting once her art A Levels were out of the way, Terry carried on with what would become a lifelong passion.

She started out painting in oils, but more recently began to explore acrylics, which she found suited her bold, colourfully- layered style.

The work due to go on display at the gallery showcases a whole range of inspirations, from holiday scenes to local ones that art lovers in the town may recognise, interiors, especially of the cafes Terry is fond of, as well as an impressionist-inspired take on cows, sheep and ducks.

Terry’s work will be familiar to some already, she’s exhibited and sold works at the Beecroft gallery, in Westcliff, as well as at art fairs, cafes and other venues in Southend.

She owes a debt of gratitude to Leigh artist Peter Smith, who she has painted alongside weekly for the last decade, and who she cites as a real influence on her painting.

To check out some of Terry’s work, visit made-in-essex.com Her work will be exhibited at Annabel Dee’s, Leigh Road, Leigh, from October 6-13.

The gallery opening hours are Monday to Saturday, from 11am until 5pm.