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Linda with a lion cub

The broad appeal of Linda Wain's wildlife art has proved to be remarkably recession-proof over the past 12 months.

The Belper artist reports sales of her work have been brisk during the economic downturn.

Having trained in fine art as a teenager at Royal Crown Derby, Linda decided to go solo around 18 years ago and hasn't looked back since.

'Majestic'

Her originals of tigers, wolves, zebras and other exotic animals sell to collectors all over the world.

And she also produces instructional DVDs, greetings cards, brushes and offers tuition as well as involving herself with several charities and good causes.

She explained: "Over the years it's got so busy for me, it sometimes feels like spinning plates on sticks.

"I get up in the morning and I'm not always sure which plate I need to spin the most!"

Linda works alongside her husband Kevin and she has him to thank for her life-changing decision to go full-time with her art in the first place.

Linda with a lion cub

She said: "I'd been working in Belper for a very small company which went into liquidation.

"It was at that point my husband said 'why don't you try to build up a portfolio and go solo so you can do what you've always wanted to do - paint for yourself.

"So I started off with a tiny exhibition in a church hall. Then I painted in the blood clinic at the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary for people to come and watch. I did quite a lot of that and some people still remember me to this day!

"From that I made an excellent contact called Margaret who helped me get some work for the RSPB. That was my big break really and the rest is history!"

One of the most enjoyable parts of the job is the 'research adventures' her and Kevin head off on to build up thousands of photos she can paint from.

These adventures have seen the pair visit exotic locations across the world such as India, Africa, Central America and Iceland.

Having just completed three major shows, Linda is now turning her attention to building up a new collection ready for the annual Christmas exhibition at her Evergreen House studio in Belper.

She said: "It's going to be very busy but I've got lots of ideas and I'm very excited!"