Nicola Read

"I was born in Hong Kong and have lived in Cyprus, Nottingham, Tewkesbury, Loughborough and Matlock, finally settling in Derbyshire, a most beautiful and picturesque part of the country. I have had many jobs in creative industry including graphic design, PR, marketing, advertising and working for a magazine where I did everything from writing articles to designing advertisements. During this time a very good friend advised me to let my creativity out and encouraged me to start painting again. This led to many private commissions and I was approached by several businesses who wanted original paintings for their offices, clubs and wine bars. It was also at this time that I won a place in an Arts Festival exhibition."