FOR artist Jantien Powell, growing up on an isolated South Wales valleys farm led her to spending a great deal of time drawing and painting the beautiful scenery surrounding her.

Now the 51-year has combined her two passions of the Welsh countryside and art into her career and is one of five artists looking forward to having her work exhibited in Usk next month.

Her work will form part of the 'Art of Country Life' exhibition at the Gallery in the Square which is open for preview on May 14.

Mrs Powell, who was born and brought up in Mamhilad, moved to Abergavenny 30 years ago.

After attending Newport Art College in the late 1970s, her artwork took a back seat while she had her two daughters Tirza, 28 and Jessica, 26.

But having now taken her artwork back up, Mrs Powell enjoys painting in her home gallery every day.

She also teaches adult students at her home as well as travelling around the local area to take classes.

Mrs Powell also runs painting holidays where she takes small groups abroad to paint pictures of the scenery.

Some of her work is already on show at various galleries including permanent exhibitions at Martins Gallery, Abergavenny, and A-Frame Gallery, Brecon.

She said: "I am very much looking forward to this exhibition as it is my first one in Usk.

"Being bought up on a farm I have always loved walking in the Welsh mountains and this just means I can combine my two passions together."

As well as painting countryside scenes, Mrs Powell, who has two grandchildren, also enjoys painting portraits.

She said: "I have always loved art and I like to paint life as I see it around me."

For more information on Mrs Powell's work visit www.jantien.co.uk.