Pastels will be plentiful in Monica Smith's debut show at the Bermuda Society of Arts.

The former lawyer turned artist spoke about the changes that have occurred since she changed careers and her show is entitled "Transformations".

"I have changed careers and I have changed the way in which I see myself and the world I live in," said the artist.

"This is my first solo show and I feel a bit like a debutante at her first ball. I was a lawyer for 20 years and only took up art, and in particular painting with pastels and charcoal, as a way of life towards the end of 2004 having never painted before."

At that time she began taking classes and has since exhibited in several group shows.

"Since I started taking art classes, I realise that I see the world entirely differently," she said.

"When I was practicing law and raising my children, I was a confirmed workaholic and saw the outside world through a haze, if I noticed it at all.

"In addition, the way in which I live my life has changed radically. I now enjoy spending time alone and taking time to reflect on life, how I view myself and the world. Shifting to a more reflective role was a challenge in the early days as I grew up in a large chaotic family.

"Another change is that I have learned to have a lot more fun and gradually to view my work as an artist much more as play, even when I am debating profound issues.

"I find myself questioning my view of the world and finding fewer answers and more questions."

Her perspective has transformed, she added: "I used to believe that my view was correct and I trusted my inner voice and what it said to me.

"I now find myself disconnecting from my old perceptions and beliefs and being much more open. I have become a better listener and observer, and I feel I am much less judgmental and more accepting and compassionate.

"My inner voice is quieter and, when it speaks to me, I believe in it."

She added: "When it comes to painting, my teacher Sharon Wilson has reminded me that a picture is a complete thought, just as a sentence is one complete thought or idea.

"Therefore, in order for me to convey what I want, I have to distil an image down to its essence in order for viewers to get my message. This means that I spend time reflecting on what I am passionate about and then try and find an image that will tell the story so that my viewers will understand even though I know they will also bring their own life experience to the table as they interpret my paintings.

"As I struggle with this process, and try and improve my technical skills. I have found it very useful to paint the same picture more than once. This allows me to experiment with the colours, with the composition and to observe the differences that occur."

The challenges of having her debut show have been liberating.

"I have been reluctant to show my art, as I am my harshest critic," she admitted.

"I have exhibited in group shows before, but having a solo show is a very different commitment and experience. For me, producing art is about baring a part of my soul to the world and I have avoided doing this, as I have been terrified of being judged as not good enough.

"So it has been a big step for me. Over the last few months, I have talked a lot to my artistic friends and family and feel I have grown as a person, just by committing to show my work and deciding that I really wanted to make it a fun experience, rather than an exercise in terror and self-criticism."

Her passion for art was reignited when she attended classes at the Sharon Wilson School of Art in Southampton.

"I was terrified as I had been kicked out of art in school at the age of 10," she said.

"I believed I could not draw and I believed at the conscious level that I was devoid of artistic talent, but I always dreamed of being connected to the arts, but that this was not for me.

"So when I came, I did so after doing a parent project during my daughter's senior year in high school, with the intent of challenging the premise that I had no artistic talent or capability.

"In the early days, I was happy to produce a pear that looked like a pear. Sharon helped me decide what to paint and encouraged me to always paint what I loved.

"As my technical skills grow, I find myself constantly searching inside, as the journey for each individual painting revealed to me that what was going in the painting was also happening in my life."

Mrs. Smith (pictured, below) added: "I have had to learn to tell myself that if I do what I've always done, then I will get what I have always gotten, so, I have had to learn to take risks.

"In order to take risks, I have had to deal with my fears. I have had to become less of a perfectionist, to be less controlling and to trust myself more and to give myself positive messages as I paint. To live my life, so in essence, I have had to become a kinder person in all areas of my life, especially to myself."

To anyone contemplating becoming an artist, Mrs. Smith simply said: "Do it!

"More seriously, I would say find a really supportive community and a good teacher. Be prepared to confront your inner demons and let them go from your life and be kind to yourself.

"Find a way to listen to fellow students and teachers and trust their judgments about paintings more than your own ¿ for me this was a challenge, but I now know that I am often too close to a subject to be objective. I now find myself loving paintings I hated three years ago.

"I would also say to anyone, try the one thing you really think is not for you, as it might just bring incredible joy into your life. I feel so fortunate everyday when I wake up to another of day of my life.

"I feel so lucky and so blessed to have found an entirely new view of myself and the world."

Transformations opens this evening from 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. at City Hall and runs until June 25.