A RUARDEAN artist inspired Dean Academy students with a range of her animal artwork.

Year 10 students were treated to a visit from Lisa Ann Watkins, who showcased her work and discussed her career path.

Andrew Winstanley, director of faculty for art, design and production at the academy said: "Lisa was a real inspiration to our students. She was able to give an insight into the realities of life as an artist and presenting it as a potential career path. Some of our students will also be given the opportunity to attend a special workshop with her next month."

There is currently an exhibition of Lisa Ann's work at Taurus Crafts in Lydney until June 22. The 'If you go down to the woods today...' exhibition celebrates the stories of eight special bears which Lisa Ann learnt about on her trip to Romania last year. She is also an artist partner to the Snow Leopard Trust.

Lisa said: "Despite being extremely nervous about my visit to the Dean Academy - in fact more nervous than about opening my exhibition - I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. It was great to see the students and to interact with them. It gave me some real ideas about the themes of the workshops that I am hoping to run for them at Taurus Crafts in the coming weeks and hopefully we can inspire each other going forward."