KNIGHTSWOOD woman Laura Morrison has been painting professionally for just two years, but is about to launch a solo exhibition, ROY BEERS reporters.

The 36-year-old, who now lives in Yoker, has just been chosen by West Dunbartonshire Council to display her work in a local gallery after coming within an ace of winning the Provost’s Prize in last year’s Clydeside Open Art Show.

Now trading as Artist by Design Glasgow, she is a former teacher who found it impossible to deal with new education systems and unpredictable workloads while caring for her daughters Eilidh, 10, and Caitlin, six, and has now won painting commissions nationwide.

Her exhibition, titled Elemental, will be in the Backdoor Gallery based in Dalmuir Library for seven weeks (from Friday).

Included in this selection is a piece which alludes to the plight of the refugees from Syria, and proceeds from its sale will be donated to a charity which works to help them.

Meanwhile, the tenor of her art also reflects the turbulence in her own life, which led to the unusual career move from teacher to self-employed artist.

She said: “When I graduated from teaching, there were very few permanent jobs so I moved into temporary positions.

“Unfortunately, during my career break when I took time out to have my two girls and post-pregnancy illness, I was left with too much time away from the classroom and had difficulty acquiring appropriate references to return.

“Supply teaching also does not lend itself to being a single mum and erratic childcare.

“There was no easy way to get back into teaching, which led me to explore other career options.”

Another consideration was that following a split from her husband, she had to find effective ways of providing for her daughters but stresses her husband is a friend and supportive.

She added: “Art seemed like a natural fit as a new career for me as it has always been a passion of mine.

“I began painting professionally two years ago, although I have studied art since my first further education degree in Media.

“I’ve sold several pieces, fulfilled commissions from all parts of the UK, and received interest from people as far afield as the USA and Australia.”

She has also been flagged up as one of 15 emerging female artists internationally in a respected quarterly art journal.

Educational services convener Cllr Michelle McGinty said: “The council’s libraries and cultural services team is keen to use the Backdoor Gallery to showcase up-and-coming artists in the area, so we were delighted to offer Laura her first solo show.”