Exhibition at Redstack

There will also be a few local scenes including the De La Warr Pavilion if Sally Wise can finish the work in time before returning to her teaching job this week.

Although born in England, Sally grew up "down under" for 30 years of her life and with family still there, she is feeling the pull again. Sally, husband Peter and daughter Isabel will soon be leaving their Wilton Road home to live in the southern hemisphere.

While living here, her paintings have mainly revolved around Australian scenes but she expects that when the move is complete, she will feel homesick for England which will show in her art.

The main focus of "Colourwise" (with a name like Wise she thought she may as well exploit it) will be the colours of Australia; reds and oranges and more subtle colours of the Blue Mountains with its constantly changing vista.

Expect some bright, bold paintings such as the Rainbow Lorikeets pictured with Sally.

"Where I used to live and my mother lives now, they used to flock into your garden. You don't have to go into some bird sanctuary or zoo to see them," she said.

She hopes to have some 20 plus pieces on display, all of which will be for sale. Her work is done mainly on box canvas although there will be a few framed pieces.

Sally decided to have her own exhibition when the chance came to take the whole of the cinema foyer. She had seen artwork displayed on the walls of the Redstack Restaurant.

"But my paintings are too big for there.Then here was a chance to set up in a nice big space."

Although she has exhibited her work before, "I have never been on my own. This will be a first."

She tends to work rather fast so can accumulate a lot of paintings but over the years has either sold or given them away. "Who knows where my paintings are around the globe?"

She is usually pleased with them when finished but can not wait to get another white canvas and start something new.

Sally teaches film and media studies at Uckfield Community Technology College and says if she was asked what she would like to be when she grew up, she would still like to be an artist.

Her children have all grown up around her painting, sometimes added their own little bits.

"We don't just go out for the day but go out with a sketch book," she said.

Colourwise can be seen at Redstack Playhouse, Western Road on Saturday September 16 from 9-5pm.