A PASSIONATE artist has picked up her paintbrushes for the first time since she was at school - even selling some of her latest works overseas.
Christine Yeabsley enjoyed painting in school and comes from a family of artists, with her father and uncle having drawn and painted.
Christine took an art course in Creatology in Whitchurch to improve her technique, before classes stopped running.
She is currently working as a cleaner to pay her bills, but art has always been her passion.
She said: "I was 16 when I was doing my O-Level.
"I started again two years ago at 50, so it has been been quite a while.
"My father used to nag me to carry on, but I didn't have time because of work.
"I have tried everything, but never really enjoyed anything.
"I was a care worker, dental nurse, a van driver and worked in a shop.
"I have done it all.
"I could just draw and paint every day if I could get away with it."
When asked, Christine confirmed it had been slightly daunting for her to take up art again after such a long time.
She said: "I didn't think I would be able to do what I am doing.
"The course taught you that you should have niche and I love painting landscapes and buildings."
Since taking up art again, Christine has received demand for her paintings from overseas customers who have contacted her through social media.
"Wem is a small town, so I need to go further out," she said.
"I sold prints and paintings to people in the United States and Australia through Facebook which is absolutely amazing.
"I've got a commission which I have got to do for someone in the US.
"I've got a couple of prints which I need to send to the US and I am just waiting for a couple of certificates to come through the post.
"It is just getting out there and I am trying to find places and galleries."
Christine has been pleased by the reaction of customers.
"I just love painting," she said.
"When people see what I have done and the smile on their face, it is just overwhelming.
"I have a couple of ladies who I paint for and they tried because they just loved it so much.
"It is just such a lovely feeling."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here