An artist from Teignmouth, who didn’t take up the hobby seriously until she was 60, is to see her work hung in the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition in London for a fifth time.

Anna Grayson’s picture, ‘Susanna in the Stream’, is a re-imagining of Rembrandt’s painting ‘Woman Bathing in a Stream’. It was shot in a quiet pool along the Bitton Brook in Teignmouth. Although, Anna remarked, ‘we did have a few dog walkers go by.’

Anna originally trained as a geologist before turning her hand to science broadcasting and journalism. When she moved to Teignmouth, she got involved with Teignmouth Arts Action Group (TAAG) and picked up an old interest in art. ‘It was great, particularly workshops which were open to anyone,’ she recalled. In 2012 she spent a year studying art at Exeter College and has never looked back. 

Although she works in various media, Anna has become best known for re-imagining famous works of art as photographs. Most of them are shot in the local area. ‘Teignbridge offers some fantastic locations and the light is amazing,’ she said. ‘I've even shot a versions of Munch's ‘Scream’ and the ‘Mona Lisa’ around here,’ she added.

As well as previous shows at The Royal Academy, Anna’s work has appeared on Grayson Perry’s Art Club on Channel 4. The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition is open to any artist; amateur or professional. ‘It is one of the most diverse and inclusive organisations I have ever worked with,’ Anna said. ‘I am very keen that others in the area should have the same opportunities that I have had,’ she added. ‘TAAG has been a very important part of my artistic journey,’ she added, noting that the workshops provide professional guidance as well as ‘a decent chocolate biscuit’.

Anna is keen that arts in the area get the funding they deserve. ‘I think it is vital that Teignbridge District Council use some of their levelling up money to support TAAG and help all artists and the whole community in the future.’

The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition launches on June 18 and runs until August 18.