Standing in front of a blank canvas, she may begin with an idea, but as for how the painting will look when she signs it, well that's part of the mystery and adventure.

Blake, who works mostly with acrylics and aerosol spray cans, is launching her new Faded Glamour exhibition on Sunday at Peisley Street Gallery.

"Work was started in March and my vision was to create a soft, beautiful show to celebrate spring after our worst drought in living history," Mrs Blake said. "After lockdown, winter and the death of a dear friend, my colour palette changed dramatically. As I work with energy, I respond to the changing seasons, what is going on in my environment and my internal world."

Mrs Blake said that following the sudden death of a friend, "I wanted to honour Shanelle with a painting (Pink Tears) and at first I did five terrible paintings; I realised it was my grief. When I'd processed it, Pink Tears came out and that is the one I've dedicated to her because it was inspired by a photograph she took of Japonica and I love Japonica."

As part of the month-long exhibition there will be an acrylic workshop, yoga and tea leaf readings.

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