A TALENTED Flintshire artist had a brush with success in a global conservation competition.

Sonia Garner was among the finalists selected from 1,000 entries across 47 countries in the Explorers Against Extinction Sketch for Survival contest, raising awareness of catastrophic issues including habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade and climate change.

And now the mum-of-two, from Whitford near Holywell, is planning to open a studio, launch a new website and pursue a lifelong dream to turn her creative passion into a successful start-up.

With her strong social media following and the support of husband Mark and children Josephine and Kacie-Jane, she is ready to make the leap full-time.

“I've always painted and had a natural talent for it, but it’s only ever been something I did in the background,” Sonia said.

“I was very shy growing up and this was the only real way I could express myself, so it’s something that means a lot to me. I also absolutely love animals and wanted to be a vet when I was younger, so I guess painting them is the next best thing!

“To be chosen among the finalists by Explorers Against Extinction has given me extra belief that I can and should be doing what I love and taking it to the next level, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

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Sonia had worked in manufacturing and administration and has continued to sketch and paint in the background, but with a blank canvas and renewed belief the next step is to blend passion with commerce.

“I had wanted to be an art teacher when I did my degree, but that never came to be; it dawned upon me after years of working in administrative roles and being a mum to young children that I was going to have regrets if I didn’t do something about it,” Sonia said.

“I put the brushes down for a while but in the past few years I’ve been prolific, it’s been non-stop, and not just animals as I’ve painted landscapes, seascapes, portraits and more.

“I can cover most subjects, but I have a huge passion for wildlife and conservation, especially animals under threat of extinction, which is why I entered the competition with the portrait of a wild dog.

“That will now be auctioned off for the charity."