Alison Minney was born in London, but has lived in the Durham area since 1965.

She always enjoyed going to art galleries, but didn't take up painting until after she had a breakdown in 2003. 

 She decided to go to art classes as therapy, but over the years, improved her skills and became more confident.

 In summer 2019, she started to rent a studio at Ushaw, on the outskirts of Durham with 2 artist friends, and has never looked back.

'It's such a privilege to work in such an amazing place. It gives us a lot of inspiration'.

 She has concentrated on gathering the skills she has learnt over the years, to develop her own style.

 Her favourite media are pastels and oils. 

'I use pastels in the studio where I can make a mess, and oils at home, where I have created a space to work'.

 She has exhibited at Durham Botanic Gardens, No.42 gallery in Bishop Auckland and Ushaw.

 She painted an eclectic mix if subjects in the past, but now paints mostly sea- and landscapes.

She loves to visit the Northumberland and Durham coastlines.

'The sea is ever changing, which fascinates me. Painting it is always a challenge, but one I really enjoy'.