LOCAL artist Sarah King is returning to the Dean Heritage Centre to launch her new seasonal exhibition this weekend (Saturday April, 20).

Her work, 'Spring in the Forest', emphasises the beauty of the Forest of Dean during spring time through focussing on capturing light as it filters through the forest canopy, and as an oil specialist, she creates characteristic features of the flora and fauna of the area. Her exhibition will be at the centre until June 2.

Sarah said: "I'm really looking forward to my spring exhibition at the Dean Heritage Centre. I have had great success with my paintings and owe a lot to the Heritage Centre for providing my first 'high profile' exhibition there and encouraging me from the outset."

Sarah, who has lived in the Forest of Dean for eight years, paints scenes which anyone could see whilst walking in the woods.

She continued: "Since my first exhibition I have grown from strength to strength and I am now able to sell my work all year round. It's great that I have gone from a self-taught hobby to a full time job."