MANY artists may agree with the idea that "art is a way of life", and this is certainly the case for Kim Williams who is currently exhibiting in Brecon.

Brecon-born Kim has returned to her roots for the show, which is being held upstairs in Brecon library, and will be open until June 18.

The show was opened by Kate Bliss, who has appeared on BBC’s Bargain Hunt, Flog It and Secret Dealers.

Kim said: "The first day was a huge success and was really busy. I’ve sold 16 paintings so far so I’m quite happy with that."

Kim paints natural landscapes and said "I aim to make sure my love of nature and growing things shines through in my artwork. This is why I paint from life rather than pictures."

Kim has returned to Brecon for this exhibition for a number of reasons. She said: "I’m really excited about this exhibition because it’s the first main show I’ve done since having my son eight years ago."

She said that she wanted to have the exhibition in the library because "I have heard rumours that the future of the library is under threat so wanted to do something here and it’s been lovely to come back to Brecon and bump into old friends and the local support has been amazing."

Kim left Brecon in 1989 after being encouraged to study art by her teachers in Brecon High School.

She studied art at Swansea College and then at Cheltenham School of Art. Following her studies she became self employed and did a lot of work with community groups and schools in the art centre in Malvern.

Kim later returned to Wales and became an artist in residence for Richard Booth, the self-styled 'King of Hay'.

Kim said: "I used to do gardening and cooking in exchange for studio space."

Kim and her husband are both artists and both teach at Malvern School of Art.

Kim teaches adults and volunteers in a school art club and does her own paintings in her free time.

She said: "Being an artist is a hard life financially but it’s a lovely way of life. It’s a continual process of learning and your always hoping that you will create something that connects with someone else."