Lake District artist chooses to only sell work for charity

Shahida (Shae) Dolan moved to the Lakes a few years ago, but her work has been connected to the region ever since she first took up the passion.

With an exhibition of her work currently ongoing in Kendal, Shae described her connected to Cumbria and how she is devoting her talent to good causes.

She said: "I never tried or wanted to sell my work before, but I realised after a recent exhibition that I could raise money for charities close to my heart, particularly those looking after orphans and widows.

"As early as 11-years-old, I was painting the fells and mountains from my imagination and, unbeknownst to me, it seems I was compelled to paint the beauty of this landscape."

Part of the display at the Roots and Wings Gallery (Image: Shahida Dolan)

At school, Shae, aged 12, produced a piece of artwork that was put on display by her teaching and now, looking back, she has realised that it was an impressionist version of Windermere and the Langdale Pikes.

"With my first ever watercolour, my teachers were astonished but I couldn't understand what all the fuss was about.

"It's like I've lived here all my life and now it's where I've ended up, with what I imagined becoming a reality."

Whilst her parents did not encourage her painting and eventual work commitments gave less time for the hobby, the passion refused to go away for Shae.

She explained: "I attended every art class time allowed me - watercolour, photography, even pottery!

"We are lucky to have such talented artists around to learn from right here in Cumbria so there's no excuse for not expanding your horizons."

Some examples of Shae's work that will be on display (Image: Shahida Dolan)

Shae has since turned those lessons into a diploma and university degrees in art.

You can see her work for yourself at the Roots and Wings Gallery in the New Shambles up until January 31, with some of the pieces up for sale.