WINCHESTER artist, Lesley Bellchambers, is holding her first Winchester solo exhibition.

Her vibrant paintings, predominantly abstract and most recently inspired by visits to India, will be on show at Standrin Antiques, in Red Deer Court, Elm Road, from November 10 to January 10.

Mrs Bellchambers, from Andover Road, has lived in Winchester for more than 20 years. Once her children had grown up and left home, she decided to follow her dream of becoming a professional artist.

In 1998, she completed a BA Degree course in Fine Art - Painting at Winchester School of Art, having previously been employed there in administration for nine years.

Working from her studio in Winchester, she has exhibited extensively in the South of England, from Bath to Tunbridge Wells and London to the Isle of Wight, including an exhibition at Heathrow Airport, in the Lufthansa 1st Class Lounge, and a commission for a central London hotel.

For her first solo exhibition in her home city, her work will be displayed alongside an eclectic mix of furniture, showing how modern and abstract paintings can work well with furniture of different periods and styles.

The opening evening, on Saturday, November 10, runs from from 7pm to 11pm.