SWINDON-born artist Anna Mazzotta draws inspiration from her 19 Italian aunts to create paintings inhabited by powerful female characters.

The 33-year-old is due to exhibit her work at the Beaux Arts gallery in Bath but plans to display her work soon in her hometown.

Anna says her pictures have been described as a more vibrant and colourful version of Beryl Cook, who also depicts larger than life female characters.

She said: "I draw on my family but I exaggerate quite a lot. I would describe my paintings as colourful and loud. But I am not like that, I am more of an observer, I like to watch people and their reactions.

"Lots of people ask me why I paint women but it is just because I am a woman, I understand them better.

"I try and inject a lot of humour into the paintings as well. I like to put a smile on people's faces when they walk into a gallery. It's nice to think you have brightened their day.

"I have always painted. I enjoyed drawing and doodling from when I was a child and then I did the art foundation course at Swindon College after I finished school.

"That was an excellent course. I had very good teachers and it really started me on my way."

The former Commonweal School pupil continued her training at the Wimbledon School of art where she had expert tuition from renowned artists like Paula Rego, Ken Kiss and Jon Bellamy.

She then went on to complete a Masters at the prestigious Royal College of Art in Kensington and developed her own style.

Anna has relatives scattered all over Italy and recreates the intimacy of a close-knit family life in her work.

Her parents, brother and sister still live in Swindon although she has set up her studio in Frome.