"From My First Report As A Wren To The Studio, This Is The Story Of How It Happened"

"Dizzy Redhead was a term of endearment in 1981. Having served just three months in the Women’s Royal Naval Service, my first official report stated, ‘Jayne is a dizzy little redhead.’ I cherished my title and kept it close to my heart. Little did I know that the term would be used for a new passion in later life! In 1993 I changed uniform and took to the streets in Plymouth as a Constable in the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary.

I moved back home to Whitchurch in 1998, working mainly as a PA/Secretary until 2013, when I bought Sentiments Card & Gift Shop, and a 45 seater coffee shop, in the High Street.

2020 saw a huge change (Covid mostly) and my beloved shop and coffee shop had to close. I searched for other avenues to fill in the time. I bought cheap paints and some small easels, and started off painting poinsettias on bottles for all of my neighbours. I was hired as an Executive Assistant on the Combermere Estate, but I was getting more and more drawn to painting.

I painted all my family’s pets, friends’ dogs and cats, before moving on to castles and scenery. Wildlife was next, then Art Deco paintings entered the repertoire. My passion grew.

I’d had no art training or any indication in my previous 57 years that I could paint, yet there it was, in front of me. I was open to a challenge.

I was contacted by an entrepreneur to paint the Bull and Fearless Girl statues in New York (hover over the Dizzy's Art button and go to Fearless Girl), so set about the task on the 48in x 48in canvas in my front room.  Lisa was delighted with it and placed it behind her on her live chats with clients from all over the world, where it was spotted in Norway. I was asked to paint another, slightly different one and smaller one, which was sent over, and the client was equally delighted with it.

This sparked a fire within, and I have been challenged ever since. The artist in me, which I never knew existed, is now alive and well and truly kicking! I recently became a part of the Cheshire Art Hub. My tutor, Loren Somerville, is exceptional and nurtures my development. I have never been happier. Please click on the Cheshire Art Hub Button below to take you to Loren's website.

So, I retired early, had a beautiful studio (“Stu Stu Studio” – an in-joke! - click on YouTube link below and turn the volume up to find out why!) built at the bottom of the garden, and paint as often as I can. My passion knows no bounds, and I am living the “Art” life to the full! Many thanks to my senior officer who, back in 1981, unknowingly gave me a monicker that I now use with pride."