A FAMILY has become well accustomed to living in a world of fantasy -- after a budding artist transformed her house and life at the stroke of a brush.

Gail Goodson of Springfield Street, Darwen, had no idea her paintings would turn her life around and result in her name being recognised across the country.

The 52-year-old started painting three years ago after losing her East Park Avenue home because of financial difficulties.

She said: "We lost two cars and the house, but found a place in Sudell Road. It wasn't our dream home so I decided to do it up.

"I'd seen a picture of a cupboard I liked in a magazine and I decided to paint it and it all started from there."

Gail painted the home from floor to the ceiling, with her hobby soon becoming a thriving business.

"I got carried away and started painting more and more. I even painted a carpet on the floor because we couldn't afford one. I've painted windows on to walls, painted on cupboards and even doors. Anything is possible."

Now some of her work is on show the in Duckworth Street store Art to Heart and she also took up a spot in Oswaldtwistle Mills in September where business is booming.

Gail, who previously studied law at Blackburn College at the age of 43, discovered her passion had a name after watching Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen on television.

Gail said: "I love him and think what he does is fantastic. It's only when I saw him that I discovered what I was doing was called Trompe L'Oeil -- the French phrase for deceiving the eye. You have to look twice to see if it's real or not.

"I had no idea it had a name, I just love painting things."

Gail became nationally recognised after winning a competition in a women's magazine.

She said: "I've sent things to places in Pevensey, East Sussex and to Devon and the secret is giving customers exactly what they ask for. It's a very personal art and no two pieces are the same."

The mother-of-three features in a variety of exhibitions in Darwen and Blackburn, aside from her job in Oswaldtwistle Mills. She said: "The owner there, Peter Hargreaves, has been fantastic and it's an honour to have my work in such a beautiful place. I've been there since September and love it."

Husband Tom, 54, said: "It must be a gift because she never studied art and she's so good at it, she's a natural. I might be biased but everything she does looks great.

"I went in hospital for a week two years ago and came back to find Egyptian Gods on the landing. I love anything to do with Egypt and it looks great."

For details on the artwork contact Gail on 07919 464989.