Formby local has been selected to have her work shown in the Royal Academy of Arts Summer exhibition

The Royal Academy Summer show is open to internationally acclaimed Artists as well as mid career and emerging artists. Thousands apply every year with the hope to be included.

Alison Stirling, from Formby, was honoured to get through the rigorous selection process to have her work on the walls of the Royal Academy where Turner and Constable once were. The exhibition was curated by Artist Jock McFadyen RA and this year there is a strong environmental theme. The room her work hangs in was curated by Scottish Artist Barbara Rae RA who is interested in the effects of the arctic.

Alison said: "I have always been inspired by the natural beauty of the coast line, especially Formby beach and the Pinewoods. I like to create work which shows both nature and the modern industrial world. I regularly return to Formby to look at the beach and the view of the docks. I often photograph the beautiful skies and what ever interesting objects which get washed up on the beach. The nature reserve is an extraordinary area"

Alison went on to say: "I was first taught Art at Phoenix House nursery by a practicing Artist called Miss Palmer, a wonderful character. She would later enter my paintings of the beach into the Formby Show where I would often get first prize. I then had an amazing teacher in St Lukes Primary School Mr Hargreaves who was also an Artist and encouraged me to paint. I like to think that they would be pleased. I studied at Southport Collage of Art, (who have an alumni of Alexi Sayle and Marc Almond!) the tutors there were great. I have exhibited my work several times in Southport with SOAP (Southport open Arts project) where my paintings were based on the fun fair and would love to come back for another exhibition. My following exhibition is in London but I will always think of home for inspiration."

Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2019 runs from 10th June until 12th August. For more information call: 020 7300 8090 or visit: royalacademy.org.uk