MORE than 20 years after first picking up a paintbrush, Carol Miller is enjoying her first solo exhibition.

Carol, from Rainhill, has had some of her works displayed at The World of Glass in her Before and After exhibition.

After spending many years painting as a hobby, Carol decided to enter competitions. And her works were well received, as Carol picked up the Best Landscape prize in the St Helens Open two years ago.

The collection of paintings will remain on show at the museum until March 13.

“It really all began a few years ago,” said Carol.

“I had been painting for about 20 years but was never really happy with what I did. And for a while I stopped doing any serious painting.

“But then someone close to me died and I decided I couldn’t afford to be afraid any more. I also had a chance to take redundancy and you don‘t get many opportunities like that in life.

“Three years ago I taught myself to paint in oils instead of watercolours and told myself I had to get out there and go for it.

“The win at The World of Glass in the St Helens Open gave me the courage to keep going and enter other competitions I wouldn’t have entered before.

“Now I’m just delighted to have my work on show in my hometown gallery.”