Barbara James
	'Today we're going to do painting' Activity afternoon at an infant school in the late sixties. While the rest of the country was apparently experimenting with illegal substances I was busy getting high on the bright colours of poster paint and the anticipation of what I could do with them. But elation soon became deflation as every session resulted in nothing but a muddy mess. The vivid colours and wild images filling my head would not flow out onto the paper. I was the artistic equivalent of being tone deaf, and after months of frustration I finally gave up. With my fine art career over, I sought refuge in the school's dressing up box instead. Fast forward fifteen paint free years to Middlesex Polytechnic and a degree in Music, Dance and Drama. All going well until 'Set and Costume Design'. My Hamlet costumes amounted to one tiny scribble in biro - the tutor, though, seized my inch high Ophelia, praising the potential within the sketch. Unbelievable. I owe Malcolm. He didn't teach in the traditional sense of life drawing or perspective but gave me courage to experiment with colour, textiles, ideas, opening a door I thought was shut forever. But I didn't share Malcolm's faith about furthering my artistic abilities - after graduation and a brief stint in the theatre I began my career in television. I've made programmes most of my professional life - it can be an exhilarating environment for creative types, but four years ago I decided I wanted to begin oil painting. A view through the window of a rented house on the river in Lymington, Hampshire sparked it all off. The way the light fell just compelled me to paint. Six months later I was a finalist in the national competition run by Artist and Illustrators magazine. Between paintings I continued to produce programmes. And then - a malignant tumour was discovered in my face. I'll spare the gory details but it was grim and I needed quiet and solitude for some time. Fate gave me the unexpected chance to really develop my craft. Bell Fine Art in Winchester began exhibiting and selling my work. A painting, chosen by WH Smith's for their British Artists Card range, sold over 20,000 in the first year. Seven posters are now out in America and I've twice been a finalist in London's Public Eye competition. But the high point has been Washington Green choosing to publish my work. Their reproduction skills are exemplary and calibre of artists high. It's an honour to be among them. It's been quite a journey since infant school but I'm finally beginning to get those pictures out of my head and onto canvas.