WANDA Stafford simply looks to her surroundings when it comes to finding inspiration for her artwork.The artist, 54, of Bundeena, primarily uses watercolours, but also acrylics, to paint her pieces that include colourful and striking art.

“I can’t help but create art living here at Bundeena,” said Ms Stafford, who moved there from Cronulla in January. “It’s so peaceful being around nature and close to the ocean.”

She has been painting since she was 23 and completed a creative arts degree majoring in poetry and painting at the University of Wollongong. But it was only when she stopped working as a registered nurse five years ago that she decided to pursue an arts career full-time.

With a studio set up in her backyard, Ms Stafford has a peaceful space to turn ideas into reality. She has been accepted into Bundeena’s Art Trail — a monthly exhibition where more than 20 artists exhibit work at their own home studios.

“This is the first time I’ve had a studio at the back of the house and now it will be open for people to walk through and take a look,” she said. “People can come in, have a chat and buy my work.”

Other artists on the trail will include Jia Wei Shen and Peter Mulder.

Ms Stafford had to speak with a panel of eight to explain her art before they voted her onto the trail. She has sold more than 200 paintings and has had art and poetry published.

wandastaffordart.com.

St George and Sutherland Shire Leader.