Self-taught Fermanagh artist Christina Coalter is happiest when she is painting or creating. Inspired by her home county and its stunning natural features, Christina aims to spread joy through her art whilst capturing "God's beautiful creation".

Here she talks to The Impartial Reporter about the inspiration behind her art, her favourite pieces to date and what her art means to her.

What is your artistic background? Are you self-taught or did you go to art school/do courses?

I suppose I'm self-taught. My highest art qualification is A-level, and although I would have loved to do art at university, I decided to pursue a science degree at that time instead. I would love to complete some art courses in the future.

What inspires your art?

A lot of different things, but one of the biggest inspirations would be here - the Fermanagh lakelands where I grew up, as well as the coast. I love painting water, there's just something about water. My Christian faith also inspires me. My aim is to spread joy through my paintings, and I love capturing God's beautiful creation or incorporating encouraging scripture into my art.

Who/what are your biggest influences?

Nature/creation would be one of the biggest influences for me. As I mentioned, I love painting water, and really anything with beautiful blues and greens (blue is my favourite colour!) I also love painting animals and have done quite a few pet portraits. As for who, I don't really have any specific artists that hugely inspire my work, I love lots of different types of art!

Is there a specific place that you do your work? Do you have a studio?

I don't have a studio - yet! That is a big dream of mine. At the moment I just paint at my kitchen table!

What has been your most ambitious piece to date?

Probably a large 5 x 2 ft canvas of Lough Erne that I painted for my dad a few years ago. He's a keen fisherman so wanted a piece of art for his living room of a fishing boat on the lake. It's the biggest painting I've ever done and it took me about six months (whilst working full time!)

What different artistic media do you use and which is your favourite?

I use acrylic paints for most of my work but have also recently been trying my hand at oils. I think they'll take a bit more practice though! When I was younger I used to love watercolours too so I'd love to get back into using those as well.

What are you currently working on?

I've just finished a pet portrait commission of two little daschunds and now I'm enjoying doing a series of coastal paintings inspired by trips to the Antrim coast.

Do you exhibit your work anywhere?

No not at the moment. I just share most of my work on Facebook and Instagram under 'Colour + Light Art Studio'.

Any new artistic ventures planned for the rest of 2021?

No not at the moment, but you never know what's around the corner!

What has been your favourite project to date?

That's a hard question! But probably the most exciting was all the pieces I did for my own wedding. I really loved designing and painting our wedding boards and table plan. As well as our wedding invitations!

What are you up to when you aren’t creating art?

I'm a full time mummy to my little two year old (and another on the way) so life is very busy! I have one full day of painting per week when my wee girl goes to her granny's. Then I try to squeeze in extra painting time on evenings and weekends. I'm looking forward to being able to do this more full time as the kids get older.

How would you describe your artistic style?

I think I would use the words colourful and free-flowing but also highly detailed. I've never been one for abstract art!

What does your art mean to you?

Art is who I am. I'm at my happiest when I'm painting or creating, and have always loved it since I was a wee girl. So to me, it means being me and being happy. And if I can use it to make other people happy too then that's even more special.