TALENTED local artist, Jan Allan, is excited about showcasing her artwork at the upcoming 26th Annual Lockyer Valley Regional Art Awards.

Art has been a passion of hers for more than 35 years and her drive to achieve keeps her going.

“I started painting in 1974 when I lived in North Queensland,” she said.

“I took it up because it gave me some time to myself which is very important.

“The things I wanted to paint were too advanced at times and I put them under the bed a few times then dragged them out again.”

She said she has covered most elements of art including mosaic work and antiques to painting with acrylics, oils and mixed media.

“I am proud of the fact that in all of my areas of art I have excelled in my own style because it comes from inside you.”

“I like to create art for people to feel uplifted, that they can live with.

“Things that you can wake up in the morning and see that is suitable for you.

“All my works are framed. I look it at it this way, if you buy a nice rug for your house, it has to suit.”

Ms Allan said she enjoys teaching and has a number of people who visit.

She enjoys painting Australian subjects and native flora and fauna.

“I prefer the country subjects rather than city ones. There is an abundance of native subjects in Australia so people can identify with them.”

She said painting emits an aura and can convey feelings and emotions.

“Life changes every single day, and there is always something new on the menu.”

“I came to Esk in 1996 for the more laidback style of life. I am more a country person than a city person.”

She said she wishes to continue to share knowledge in the future.

“The people who paint with me are setting up an exhibition for March next year and we have been working on that for a year.”