I can’t remember a time that I haven’t wanted to draw or paint.

My earliest memory is of being given a pencil and paper by my Gran.

When my children were all at school, I went to Art College. I studied Graphic Design, but my love was for illustration. I began doing wildlife illustration, freelance, and loved it. Because of my personal situation I had to stop doing that, but the love has remained.

“Detail of a barn owl in coloured pencil” by Ruth Randall

Since my retirement, I have been able to return to art – and my confidence has grown. I have joined the Leicester Society of Artists and Leicester Sketch Club and have now exhibited in a number of local exhibitions. My main love is still nature, but I have extended my range of materials.

“Zebra Lino” by Ruth Randall

I work in pen & ink, with or without, watercolour, drypoint etching and lino printing, and recently coloured pencil work. I’m looking forward to trying new mediums – I love that sense of adventure. I am very lucky to live in a beautiful part of the country and always keep a camera with me, for reference and inspiration.

“Hare in Drypoint” by Ruth Randall

Words and Art: Ruth Randall (Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/rarandallartist/)

Article Commissioned by: Rebecca Nickolls (@becknickolls @artistscribbles)

Have you read the beautiful “Song of the Crane Fly” – an art diary by artist Trudy Murray? https://artistscribbles.com/2015/10/01/the-song-of-the-crane-fly-made-from-paper-ink-love-and-watercolour-by-trudi-murray/