Cheltenham Artist Christine Smith

Christine has enjoyed painting and drawing from an early age and likes to tackle a variety of subjects, working mostly in watercolour. For many years Christine concentrated on portraits, attending courses at Somerset College of Art, but after residing in Cyprus for several years turned more to landscapes and buildings. She now lives in Gloucestershire and exhibits around the county; she also takes watercolour classes for beginners.

In 2001, Christine successfully took part in Channel 4's "Watercolour Challenge", winning her heat at Packwood House with her painting of the long gallery. She then took part in the regional final at Coventry Cathedral. Both paintings went on display at the Mall Galleries, London in January 2002. The Coventry painting was auctioned to raise funds for the Cathedral. She has recently been commended in the Sennelier Watercolour competition (2005), and also the Winsor and Newton / SAA 'Opera Rose' painting competition (2007).

Christine performs the dual role of Chair and Treasurer of the Cheltenham Open Air Art Exhibition.