Art has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a child, I was always drawing horses and by the time I was a teenager I was painting them.

My first painting was a gift for my older brother—a scene of horses galloping through the water. The painting was brown and white (the only colours I had) and was painted using the eraser on the end of my pencil. My brother was so impressed that he bought me my first set of paints and a large wooden easel (the latter of which I still have today).

Looking back, I give thanks to my brother for encouraging me to pursue my talent, however, in my early 20’s life took me in a different direction. Marriage, family, running and my pursuit of a career meant that painting disappeared from my life for more than three decades. I never gave it a thought.

When my father passed away in 2010, it was a turning point. It was then that I realized life is too short. Still working I enrolled in a night class at Durham College, picked up a paintbrush again, and painted most free weekends. I haven't stopped since.

And naturally the first painting I did was that of my brother. I was back in the game!!!

— Gianna Loader