Artist Rhona Emmerson opens a new exhibition at the Common Ground café in Chancery Lane this evening. Entitled 'Out and About', the collection of oils on canvas have mainly been painted during her regular excursions with the Plein Air Group over a six-month period this year, but also include a few from last year.

"They are all location paintings in bright Bermuda colours, which are lively and inviting," the artist says. "I put a lot of colour in my work to keep the mood up. All of the work is framed and ready to hang in happy new homes. There is something for everybody, and certainly people who love Bermuda will enjoy the show."

Commending Common Ground for giving artists another venue, Mrs. Emmerson says, "I hope everyone will come out and support this little café, which is doing its best to support artists. It is a fun place, and I hope my work is cheerful, and will inspire people having coffee or lunch to have a happy day.

Mrs. Emmerson has lived here all her life. She is a well-known artist and frequent exhibitor, both in joint and solo shows, and was a finalist in this year's John Charman competition. Her paintings are found in private collections in Bermuda, England, Canada, France and throughout the US.

Today, oils are Mrs. Emmerson's preferred medium, but she has also worked in watercolours, mixed media, acrylics, fabrics with textile paints and dyes, and Chinese brush painting. In addition, she has been doing face and body painting at Harbour Nights in Hamilton for the past 14 summers, and her work is also seen on many souvenir and gift items in local retail stores.

The artist is also president and art director of AAC Saatchi and Saatchi, and she paints for pleasure.

"I paint as a way of relaxing and seeing Bermuda with fresh eyes," she says. "A new challenge with every location found. The early morning and evening light is when the Bermuda colours are at their best."

• 'Out and About' will continue through November 13. To see the artist's current work visit the website www.rhonaemmerson.com She can be contacted at remmerson@aac.bm