Hi my name is Ina Sharkey. I'm 62 and currently live in Compton although I spent the first 20 years of my life in Guildford and subsequently London. I live with my husband Patrick and foster daughter Janet.

I have been painting on and off as a hobby for the past 8 years when I gave up working in the corporate to become a foster carer. My father was a professional sculptor so I feel like "art" is part of who I am. I started off with animal portraits, in watercolour, but now have the bug for portraits using the Zorn palette and water based acrylics. I'm pleased that the portrait, below, has just been accepted by the Guildford Arts Festival running in October 26.