Healey woman launches new career as an artist

Healey woman Sue Harvey has set out on a twin mission. She is launching a new career as an artist, but is also determined to preserve the memory of her closest friend Maria Rose, who died suddenly in June 2005, soon after becoming a mother.

Ms Harvey has worked as an estate agency negotiator and, most recently, as a receptionist. Now, with the encouragement of family and former workmates, who have already bought her work, she has launched Maria Rose Modern Art from her home.

Ms Harvey said: "All my life I have had the urge to paint and now I feel that the right moment has arrived to devote myself to following my dream. Maria Rose was very special to me and her incredibly sudden death was a terrible shock – so I have paid tribute to her in the name of my business. 

"I believe that the fact that I have had no formal training is an advantage in a way. I am able to produce spontaneous work which is vibrant enough to light up people's homes." 

Ms Harvey's paintings, often featuring flowers in modern colour schemes, sell from £200 upwards. Customers can choose one of her own creations, or brief her on the effect that they want to achieve. Within two weeks they can be handing their own special painting in their home.