SHE'S never had an art lesson in her life.

But Stockbridge gardener Angela Lewis's work has proved such a hit at her first exhibition that she's sold half a dozen pictures in the first three days, Michael Carr writes.

The 53-year-old only joined the current Hampshire Open Studios scheme after close friend, artist Lisa Steincke, talked her into taking part.

Now their joint exhibition, on show near the town until Bank Holiday Monday, has become a life-changing fillip for Angela.

“It's only a tiny space but it's going extremely well. Lisa's watercolours and I'm pen and ink,” she said.

“I only started drawing in the last decade and sit in the winter months just scribbling away. It was Lisa who said I should show my work publicly, I would never have done anything like this otherwise.

“I find it very humbling that somebody actually wants to buy it. It certainly gets you out of your comfort zone!

“One minute I'm elated, the next I'm scared witless. But it's been amazing!”

Hampshire Open Studios is an annual event, which this year boasts 60 new exhibiting studios.

Lisa Steincke also runs regular art workshops and tutorials in Stockbridge.

For more details visit hampshireopenstudios.org.uk or lisasteincke.co.uk.