I had been painting from 1986 until 1995, doing a lot of painting either before my children awoke or after they had gone to bed, I would paint and paint, until well after midnight most nights. At the time my partner and I had a jewellery shop called "Yours for Life". We designed and handmade Sterling Silver and 9crt Gold jewellery with semi precious stones and the shop was open 7 days a week, so we worked pretty long hours.
Painting was definitely my passion however and as I got more into my painting , I knew that it was what I longed to do as a profession. In 1995, we sold our Shop and I decided this was it! Time to live my dream.

I had not really explored painting Landscapes, though I was always fascinated by how the light fell, or caught the edge of a tree, and how the skies seemed to have so many different hues  in them.

I loved the work of Titta Faschiotti, and Errol Boyley, both Landscape Painters , who captured light and atmosphere. Their styles, although different both resonated with me.

A close friend, portrait Artist Rob Wareing, was friends with Titta Faschiotti, and said that he would ask him to do a demo for me. I was so excited when Titta arranged for Rob and I to come down on this particular Saturday afternoon.  It was an amazing experience and a privilege that I will always be eternally grateful for.  It was such an inspiration to watch Titta produce an absolute Masterpiece in a matter of an hour. You can imagine my excitement  when he turned to me afterwards and signing it "Titta"  said this is a gift for you Diane.

That energy I felt continues to live on in the paintings I do today.