A SESSION under the guidance of an Isle of Wight teacher has enabled me to produce the best painting of my life.

Since childhood I had assumed my hands were more like hooves when it came to a canvas, with one teacher at school refusing to let me within several feet of anything resembling a brush.

That phobia dissipated on Friday, when professional artist, Sophia Flowers, took me under her wing and showed me simple, yet effective techniques to produce something visually appealing.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Sophia offers classes and one-to-one tuition in Newport, catering for all levels and ages. She was patient and her instructions were unambiguous throughout.

The technique she introduced me to was wet-on-wet oils as made popular by American art instructor Bob Ross, whose 1980s and '90s Joy of Painting television program has experienced a renaissance of late.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Sophia said: "Nothing gives me greater joy than passing on the ability to paint. You can learn to paint in just one session — yes, it is possible, and no painting experience is required.

"We go step-by-step in a fun, informal and supportive environment. There are no rules and the sky is the limit when it comes to imagination. All abilities, especially beginners, and all ages are welcome."

Pricing for Sophia's classes includes all materials, with tuition ranging from two and a half hour classes and full day sessions to residential holidays and online classes.

Isle of Wight County Press:

From Tuesday September 15, Sophia will be running a set of classes in Newport lasting three weeks.

To connect with the artist and find out more, visit www.sophiaflowers.com or follow her on Facebook HERE.