It's made in Bahrain

It was a fascination that started as a young child. For hours Meriel Cooper Wallace would lie on the lawn watching whatever insects happened to be crawling amongst it.

"I used to spend ages face down watching beetles," she says. "I was totally mesmerised by what would happen at different times of the year in the garden as well. I've always been fascinated by chickens, parrots and ducks - their shapes and colours - and what happened to their feathers when the light hit them."

It wasn't long before she picked up a paintbrush, and her love for the natural world developed into a talent for capturing its beauty. Her first solo exhibition in Bahrain in March reflects much of this childhood obsession. Made in Bahrain will feature around 20 watercolours and mixed media, all of which have been done in Bahrain. Many have a Bahraini theme.

Subjects have been chosen for their alluring shape or colour, such as cockerels, fruits, plants, and horse bones found on the beach. Also included is a painting of an eagle inspired by a visit to Al Areen Wildlife Park. "The painting is called Le Bateleur, which means tightrope walker," she explains. "Theses Eagles are called that because every now and again when they are sitting on their perch they stretch and flex their wings."

Also striking are her studies of flowers, including sensuous gladioli, lilies and peonies. Prices range from BD60 to 400.

Meriel, who came to Bahrain from London three years ago, can't remember a time when she didn't paint. Born in England, she grew up in Kenya and went to art classes after school. She sat 'A' level art several years earlier than usual.

"I've painted all my life. There have been a few gaps as an adult. I didn't paint when I was living in Libya, for example. I was there for four years working for an American oil company. It was a huge mistake not painting while I was there as it was such a beautiful country."

She spent a long time looking for someone to teach her technique. "That sounds so simple and straight forward but it really isn't," she says. She eventually found the right person when she moved to the States in the 1970s, where she lived for 24 years. Before long she was exhibiting her work regularly, and for a period she earned her living from painting. "I built up quite a lot of faithful clients, which was wonderful," she says.

Her work brings her profound joy. "I'm always excited about it. I think it's a bit of a drug. I'm always sure of what I'm going to attempt before I attempt it. But the end result is never remotely like the plan I have in my head. And the plan I have in my head is not an intellectual process at all, it just happens.

"I'm very lucky because sometimes there's a queue of ideas. I've read about artists saying how terribly intimidating a blank piece of paper is. To me it's not: it's exciting. I do love colour a lot. I think that's obvious from my work," says the artist, who also displayed her work at the Bahrain International Garden Show.

Since moving to Bahrain, Meriel has found that her work has become looser and more colourful, which she puts down to a newfound happiness. "Bahrain is wonderful. Every day I'm very happy to live here. The people are lovely, really delightful. We have been met with endless warmth and kindness.

"There are all sorts of nationalities that make living here a pleasure, as well as Bahrainis. And the climate is wonderful. There is a thriving art world going on with wonderful shows and other artists to work with. The quality of the work by contemporary Bahraini painters is remarkable. I find Bahrain an exciting place to live. My husband is very happy here, which also helps!"

Once a week, Meriel paints with the Awali Artists, led by Californian painter Seana Mallen. She is also being taught oils by the Bahraini painter Fareed Bouqais.

"Your work should change, I think, as you go along in life. It's influenced by new places, new thoughts and other people. One of the most wonderful things about painting is that whatever your medium you are constantly learning. It's ever evolving."

Made In Bahrain takes place at Lina's CafŽ in the Diplomatic Area. It will be opened by Bahrain Business Women's Society president Mona Almoayyed on March 8 at 7pm and will be on for a month.