Forms and designs inspired by nature are the subject of an exhibition being held at The Radlett Centre next month.

Colourful Observations is the title of this joint show by Eryl Waters and Jane Hope. Both have enjoyed drawing and painting since childhood. They met while teaching at Grange Park School in Bushey and share an enthusiasm for landscape and living things. Born in Herefordshire, Jane studied art in Newport and Birmingham. She moved to Watford in 1974 and has worked as an advisory teacher and taught art and graphics in secondary schools across the county.

While working for Hertfordshire Advisory Service, Jane was responsible for the introduction of computer-aided art and design and running courses for teachers in graphics, photography, printmaking and computer-aided work. Her work concentrates on digital printmaking using close up images of nature. Jane has a fascination with growing natural forms and the ambiguity that changes of colour, tone and texture can evoke in an image.

She says her inspiration comes from her “love of the countryside and intrigue of nature – shape and space.”

Eryl, from North Wales, studied art in Manchester and went on to teach in London before moving to Australia. Back in the UK, she taught art in West Sussex but returned to Watford on her retirement. Eryl creates vibrantly coloured ink paintings and gains inspiration from an artist called Elda Abramson, who teaches the Zen method of painting. Drawn freely using a bamboo pen and black soluble ink that bleeds easily, the technique stimulates the right side of the brain through its emphasis on observational work.

The exhibition is running from February 1-28 at The Radlett Centre, Aldenham Avenue, Radlett. The exhibition is open Monday to Saturday from 10am-4pm.

www.radlettcentre.co.uk