Scottish artist Joan Somerville is entirely self-taught. Although given the opportunity to study at the Glasgow School of Art after leaving school, she decided instead to start a family and later embarked on a career in local government. She then tried a succession of different jobs, while continuing to draw and paint both in her spare time.

Joan Somerville's career as a full-time artist began when she approached several Glasgow art galleries with her portfolio. Her paintings were very well received and, within six months, she was being exhibited across the city by various galleries. In her first year, Joan was given her first solo exhibition and was also chosen as one of five major prize winners in the Smith Art Gallery & Museum's 'Brave Art' competition. Her winning painting is now part of the museum's permanent collection in Stirling, Scotland.

Group and solo art exhibitions in Glasgow and London quickly followed, with her light-hearted paintings attracting a huge number of collectors from all walks of life.

Commenting on her art, Joan Somerville says, 'I genuinely love life and live very much for the day and the moment. I'm definitely a free spirit and hate to be confined or live to rules! My work is certainly an expression of this and I aim to bring as much humour as possible into everyday life. There is so much in life that is angst-ridden, I hope that my paintings will succeed in bringing a smile to people's faces!

'Whenever I'm out socialising, I find myself scanning the room for interesting characters and inspiration – I'm sure I would make an excellent detective! The fun-loving, larger-than-life women I paint are definitely in control and know how to manipulate their men when they need to, to get what they want! Through the characters in my paintings, I hope to show that you can have fun no matter what you look like or how much you weigh. There is far too much pressure on women to be the perfect shape, with perfect hair, make up and wardrobe. I believe we should make the most of what we have and celebrate our individuality.'

As well as exhibiting her art work at Red Rag Gallery Joan Somerville has also exhibited her paintings widely. Her paintings are now collected worldwide, including across the States, Europe, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Each painting at Red Rag is sourced from the Joan Somerville artist studio and like all Red Rag British art and Contemporary art it can be shipped worldwide.