Eleanor Clavin finds out about the work of Margaret Joy Morley who has lived and painted in Pinner since 1974. She enjoyed drawing and painting as a child and this passion has continued to develop throughout her life. Margaret has no formal art training although she has attended many classes, and workshops over the years in order to gain experience. Margaret's keen interest in painting and love of nature has inspired her to explore the magic of pastels, acrylics, watercolour and oil painting. Margaret specialises in landscapes, flowers and life. She exhibits and sells her paintings with Hillingdon Artists, Eastcote Art Society and Pinner Sketch Club and has recently started posting images to her Instagram account @mjmorley.

Image 1: Koi Carp

Medium: Oil on board

"I wanted to try to capture the vibrant colours of the fish and the delightful patterns on the water."

Image 2: Buttercups and Daisies

Medium: Oil on canvas

"Inspired by an old photo of my grandchildren. With all the enthusiasm about “Rewilding”, I felt the urge to paint a picture to illustrate a wild garden."

Image 3: Autumn Magic (sold)

Watercolour painting inspired by early morning walks around Roxborough Nature Reserve with my dog on frosty mornings.

Image 4: Dragonfly

Oil painting on board

"About fifteen years ago I  spotted a very rare visitor to my garden pond and I managed to take a photograph.  I have always wanted to try to capture the magic of this moment in paint,  so when  I started to use oil paints a few years ago, I felt the time had come."

Image 5: Les Cheveaux Sauvages

Oil painting on board

Inspired by the beautiful wild horses of the Camargue, France.