A MUM-OF-TWO has used her passion for art to help get her through difficult times.

Lisa Ray, of Great Notley, suffered a bout of depression last year and began sketching to take her mind off things.

She paints all of the artwork, which is original, in her dining room.

She is working hard to save for a studio in her garden.

Lisa said she found sketching to be a good source of therapy.

It was from then on she realised she wanted to spend the rest of her like making art and began to grow her business.

She said: “It’s surprising how quickly it has taken off, I have gained interest locally and I have some pieces up in Square1 restaurant in Great Dunmow.

“I also enjoy doing bespoke pieces for people. I recently did one for a lady in Bournemouth who has a beautiful home.”

She has suffered with anxiety and depression all her life and uses painting as a way to relax.

She is encouraging others to do the same.

She said: “Life kind of got in the way, I got a job in the City and my art fell aside, then I had kids and got married, but I always has a passion for being creative.”

Lisa is an advocate for showing it’s never to late to follow your passion.