Jane Ware has been passionate about art from an early age.

She was first introduced to it at Elmfield Rudolf Steiner School in Stourbridge, which offered progressive teaching as a balance for the physical, emotional, intellectual, cultural and spiritual needs of each child.

Jane moved to Cheltenham as a teenager and says she brought with her “a love for all things creative”.

“I desperately wanted to go to Art College when I was 16,” she said, “but my parents thought becoming a shorthand typist a better career option!

“After 12 years as a Secretary at Eagle Star, followed by a ‘16 year maternity break’, I returned to Eagle Star to work in finance for 20 years, and left in December 2018.

“Now at the age of 63 I am finally following my dream to be a full time creative artist!”

Jane, along with husband of nearly 40 years John, have lived on the Gloucestershire and Worcestershire border near Bredon for eight years.

Together they have two children, Barney and Jen, who have long since flown the nest and are living in Southampton and New York respectively.

She continued: “My paintings are inspired by Cotswold landmarks, jazz culture, cafe conversations, and holiday memories, from seagulls in St Ives to sunsets in South Africa.

“I paint mainly in watercolour and ink, and I also enjoy experimenting with colourful acrylics, and developing New York cityscapes from annual trips to sketch with my daughter in Manhattan!”

Jane is a committee member of Cheltenham Art in the Park and has exhibited in Imperial Gardens annually since 1975.

Since then she has become an active member in the local artistic community and regularly exhibits her work in the area.

“I have many creative friends who I paint and share exhibitions with on a regular basis,” she explained.

“I’m a keen supporter of local art and sculpture exhibitions and welcome all new opportunities to display my artwork in public exhibition spaces.”

This month, Jane will be exhibiting alongside her friends – artist Sue Jolley and saxophonist and vocalist Kim Cypher – at Dove Gallery in Winchcombe.

‘An Exhibition of Art and Jazz’ will feature paintings by Sue and Jane, as well as Kim's CDs and jazz merchandise, including limited edition behind the scenes and live performance photographs by Ron Milsom.

“This will be my second exhibition at Dove Gallery with Sue,” said Jane.

“We have known each other for over 20 years as ‘neighbour artists’ each summer at Art in the Park. She is one of the happiest people I know, and truly lives up to her name!

“I have known both Kim, and her drummer husband Mike, since their early performances playing live at the Cheltenham Jazz Festivals. She is a hugely talented international artist and a great friend, and we are all thrilled to be showcasing our Art and Jazz together at Dove Gallery.”

An Exhibition of Jazz and Art will be at Dove Gallery, Winchcombe High Street, from Friday 20th to Thursday 26th March, open daily from 10am to 5pm, with the launch night on Friday 20th March.