THE future is a picture of happiness for a newly qualified professional artist who has already been signed up to a number of exhibitions.

Charlotte Posner, 22, of Newnham Close, Loughton, has just graduated from the Chelsea School of Art, and has now signed up to a new London studio.

With her fellow Chelsea alumni she will take up a one year residence at Limehouse Art Foundation, in Bromley-by-Bow, where she will concentrate on creating new artworks in a classic medium.

She said: “I paint oil on canvas which is quite a traditional approach. I've been doing a lot recently on jewels. I wanted an object that doesn't normally get noticed and get people to think about it in a different way. I like the idea of something very personal, so for a ring- you wouldnt normally wear a ring from someone you don't like or a ring you don't like aesthetically.

“I'm very open to everything. I like renaissance art, I like modern art. I like taking something that's been used ages ago and making it contemporary but carrying on in the tradition of things. I think that's important as a painter.”

Charlotte has already been accepted to exhibit at a number of art galleries in London, but is keen to emphasise that her work is not just for trained aesthetes.

“I like my work to be open to everyone,” she said. “Not just people in the art world but looking outside as well. I want it to be playful and fun.

“Picasso said 'you need success to be an artist' and I agree. You need people to appreciate your work. Get it out there and show people. Art can speak where other things can't. People can have a voice through art.”