KNOWN for its breathtaking architecture, charming coffee houses and romantic appeal, it is no wonder self-taught artist Danny Hockman felt inspired to pick up a pencil while on holiday in Vienna some 15 years ago.

Describing his foray into the art world, the 59-year-old solicitor tells me: “Both my mother and mother-in-law are from Vienna, as was my late father-in-law, so there is this kind of middle European influence. When we were on holiday there, I was looking through a rainy window and something made me think maybe I can do this, so I picked up a pencil and started sketching, and I have enjoyed it ever since.”

Having honed his talent over the years, Danny, whose training consists of an evening class at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, is now preparing for his first solo show at small pub The Waiting Room Café in Pamlers Green.

Speaking about the move from private hobby to public sphere, Danny says: “I never really painted for anybody else. It’s a bit like being a musician and just enjoying getting your guitar out. Sometimes you think you are in your loft and sometimes the Albert Hall. But then my wife suggested I should put together an exhibition and here we are.”

With a few classics copied from the masters, including Vincent van Gogh and Kandinsky, which Danny has “added my own depth of feeling too”, alongside modern originals, the exhibition offers something for all tastes.

Explaining a bit more about his varied style, Danny, who has lived in Southgate for almost 30 years, tells me: “I use whatever medium I have available. I am not fussy. I’m quite happy to work in watercolour or to draw and I paint on canvas, wood or paper, some are framed, some not. It’s what I see and how I see it, and because I have a full time job, it just has to be like that. When I feel I can do something, I sit down and produce whatever it is that is in me.”

The father-of-two, who sites David Hockney as one of his favourite artists, continues: “The show is for anybody, you don’t have to be high-brow or low-brow, or know anything about art, history or painting in order to enjoy it. It’s what we do all the time, we look and we see and we take in and if we like it we look more. There is something in everything if you look closely.”

Works by Danny Hockman runs at The Waiting Room Cafe, from Friday, September 4 until the end of the month. Details: danny.hockman@yahoo.co.uk