A MUM has overcome the disappointment of redundancy and turned a favourite hobby into a career.

Lisa Ray, 42, was left without work at the start of the year when she lost her job at a legal firm in Witham.

Lisa, who lives in Great Notley, decided to use her free time to do some more drawings and paintings, having been something of a budding artist for a number of years.

She soon had people offering to buy her work and before long she was able to turn her attentions to doing art full-time.

Lisa said: “One of the last things I got told when I was made redundant was keep doing your art.

“I was never really that serious about it but a few friends offered to buy some of my work and it has just carried on from there.

“I was mainly doing it to help my mental health but it’s ended up being my main source of income.”

The growing popularity of Lisa’s work saw her receive requests for drawings and paintings.

She has since struck a deal with an art gallery in Finchingfield which has been showcasing some of her work over the last few weeks.

Lisa says she specialises in abstract and pop art but has been able to adapt to meet requests from clients.

And despite admitting paying the bills remains a struggle, she insists she has plans to continue improving her profile and art career.

She added: “I’ve turned my dining room into a temporary studio but am hoping to get something built out in the garden at some point.

“Having my art has been a big help because I wasn’t in a good place after I lost my job.

“I concentrated on making colourful art and it has made such a difference, particularly in a year like we’ve had with the pandemic.

“One of the biggest things though as an artist is having people ask you to make something for them.

“It’s a real compliment when someone asks you to do some work which will go up in their own private space.”

Lisa’s painting of George Floyd – whose death in America sparked worldwide protests – has now been chosen to form part of an exhibition in Chelmsford.