A SOUTH African artist will launch art classes in Tidworth to help army wives and husbands de-stress during the pandemic.

Alta Edwards, 64, from Bell Street in Ludgershall was previously an art consultant in South Africa for 30 years, while painting and exhibiting at the same time.

The 64-year-old spent four years in South Africa training to be an art teacher.

She has been teaching in the UK for the last two years at Middle Wallop and Collingbourne Kingston and has decided to expand into Tidworth.

Alta is currently teaching online to her students and hopes the restrictions will be lifted soon.

She told the Advertiser: “Art classes are very therapeutic, it’s a lovely way for people to de-stress.

“My art classes are aimed at adults. I take people from the basics and start with drawing and then progress to painting.

“I run workshops every six weeks on Saturdays where I do pastels and oils.

“I am looking to start the classes on Mondays or Fridays but it will be capped at 10 people at the start.

“I need people to commit for five weeks and then attend classes on a weekly basis.”

The 64-year-old’s style is impressionistic, using colours.

She paints landscapes and flowers, and prefers using pastels, acrylics and oils.

“If the viewer pauses for a moment to enjoy the work, then the painting is a success.

“I am always happier in my studio surrounded by coloured pigments, and the smell of paint.

“It’s important to portray the feelings and emotions when viewing these subjects.

“I hope to evoke memories for the viewer, that they too might remember the walk on the beach, in the field or in the forest, memories of winter or the feeling of spring in the air.

“Sometimes my work is small and detailed and at other times I make broad strokes with a pallet knife,” she explained.

Residents from Spotted Tidworth Facebook page have commented on the artist’s post.

One said: “Would be very interested.”

While another commented: “I would love to do these classes.”

Alta’s classes cost £12 per adult and are run at Wallops Village hall from 12.45pm to 3.15pm and Collingbourne Kingston from 1.30pm to 4pm.

For more information, you can email altaedwards22@gmail.com.