TAUNTON artist Diane Burnell presents an exciting exhibition of abstract paintings at Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre this month.

Fascinated by the transient and fluid nature of the world, Diane attempts to capture movement and energy through a direct and exhilarating union between herself, oil paint and canvas.

As a child, Diane dreamed of going to Art School, but when the time came could not afford to so left school to start a career in personnel management and training.

Years later, during a conversation with her grand-daughter, then aged 13, Diane mentioned this childhood dream and her grand-daughter responded "If you really want to Grandma you can do that now!"

These wise words led Diane to study for two years at Somerset College and a year at the University of Plymouth in Exeter for a B.A. in Fine Art, from which she graduated with Honours in 2006.

Diane then went onto complete three successful years as Secretary of Artists303, spent three years programming exhibitions at Ilminster Arts Centre and continues to develop her abstract style in oil paints.

Passionate about creating opportunities for emerging artists in Somerset, Diane is now Chair of the Somerset Contemporary Artists Network (SCAN) many members of whom are recent graduates of Fine Art from Somerset College. Diane also undertakes the role of Somerset Art Works Representative in the Taunton area.

Diane will be hosting a free meet the artist event during Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre’s Family Open Day on Saturday, September 14 from 12noon to 4pm.