Anyone for ART?

Life drew them together - but things got off to a sketchy start

- By Barbara Compton

Use it or lose it, Jen,' says my friend Anthea. We're talking about art. It was my best subject at school. I outshone everyone, but when it came to going to college, my dad talked me into studying maths. I worked in accounts for years. It's been ages since I did anything creative.

'This sounds right up your street,' says Anthea, pointing to an ad in the paper. 'Why don't you go?'

A week later, I'm at the art class at our local boutique hotel.

'Welcome, I'm Portia.' A posh, booming voice greets me. She's wearing yellow dungarees. Her hair is tied up with a floral silk scarf. I feel like a fuddy-duddy in my comfy trousers with their elasticated waist and my beige bobbly polo-neck jumper.

'Come with me. I'm going to sit you with Daphne and Simon.'

I feel 10 years old. I'd hoped to hide at the back because I'm not good at small talk. Daphne is dressed in a kaftan. Simon has a handlebar moustache. They grudgingly shuffle up to make space for me.

'Still life this week. Time to let your creative juices run,' exclaims Portia.

There's a vase of orange marigolds on a table in the middle of the room. We set to. Brushwork, paint and flowers fill my mind. I haven't felt this relaxed for years.