AN up-and-coming artist from Sidmouth is looking forward to the launch of her first solo show this month. Beth Pearson, 44, will be displaying her mostly nude life drawings at Kennaway House from Monday, October 26 to Sunday, October 31. The mum-of-two, o

AN up-and-coming artist from Sidmouth is looking forward to the launch of her first solo show this month.

Beth Pearson, 44, will be displaying her mostly nude life drawings at Kennaway House from Monday, October 26 to Sunday, October 31.

The mum-of-two, of Sid Park Road, has been an artist for 20 years but put her work on hold while she was bringing up her children, now nine and 15.

She said: "I spent quite a few years doing stuff which has been geared more around young children and travelling. I wanted to do art for all of that time and now just seems the right time to really focus on that."

Beth, who will be displaying at least 12 pieces of work at the show, returned to art after attending life drawing classes in Sidmouth a few years ago.

She added: "Having a space to work in and subject matter has helped me to really focus back on art work and I'm very grateful for the support given by Kennaway House."

Beth first honed her artistic flair in the 80s when she studied a foundation course at Exeter College and went on to complete a degree in Fine Art at Sheffield University.

Since then she has spent a lot of time in France and Spain as well as selling craft work and clothes.

Beth, who works from home, exhibited work in a joint show in Totnes recently and also displays her pieces at Libra Court in Sidmouth.

Still in the early stages of her career, Beth is keen to progress but her efforts to find a studio in Sidmouth have proved unsuccessful so far.

She is appealing to anyone in the town who might have a suitable space for her to work and store her art.

Beth added: "I'm desperately looking for a cheap studio as working from home is quite impractical."

Anyone who can help should ring her on (01395) 578361.