Resident artist emerges to capture Herm colour

FOR a while now, Herm has been lacking a resident artist. This seems strange in a place where beautiful scenery and seasonal colours just beg to be captured with pencil and paint.

Now, though, island resident Juliet Churchward has taken the reins and is putting brush to canvas to immortalise her favourite Herm scenes. She is selling her paintings to enable guests to take a little bit of Herm home with them, and her original artwork can be found in the post office and harbour shop.

'I've had a few commissions from guests, which can be nerve-racking, because it's more pressure than doing something for yourself - but they've all been really positive in their feedback,' said Juliet. 'Not everyone is able to take a mental picture of something with them, so a real picture they can take home can mean a lot.'

Juliet moved to the island from East Sussex in 2007 when her partner, Neil Waterhouse, took over management of the gift shops. They arrived with daughter India, now eight, and welcomed baby Albie in 2009.

Art has always been a passion and a hobby of Juliet's. She has spent hours decorating furniture for the children's bedrooms, and often comes up with elaborate and beautifully illustrated greeting cards for friends' birthdays and other occasions.

'I took it up more when we moved to Herm, because I had more time. I would like to find even more time, though, although I try to do something during the day when Albie is asleep.'

The spirit of the island has become an interesting muse for her. Her work isn't just based on the beaches, wildlife, flowers and the usual country scenes, but also the island's buildings, which for many people are the places that hold special memories.

Juliet is passing her interest in art onto her children, who often join her in her home studio for a group painting session.

'I prefer to paint in watercolours, although I also use oils. But I think my favourites are my ink drawings.'

It has taken a few years for Juliet to feel that she can share her talent with others, but now it has become a big part of her life.

'I would like to try something more abstract, and I would love to be able to do portraits, but it's all about finding the confidence. For now, I'm very happy with my Herm pictures.'