ARTISTS from across Essex have contributed to the latest Farleigh Hospice calendar.
It was put together by staff, volunteers and members of the general public through a voting system.
The 12 winning entries featured will help raise money for Farleigh, which looks after people with life-limiting illnesses.
Spokeswoman Cheryl Bunkle said: "I always love our calendars, but thanks to the contributions of the local artists who entered our art competition, and all the people who took the time to vote, the 2013 ones are extra special.
"Even though a lot of us now use electronic diaries and our mobiles, I still rely on my proper old-fashioned calendar which I buy each year, write on and hang in my kitchen.
"With the theme of Essex Life all of the pieces selected capture something a bit special about our community in a beautiful way."
Full-time painter, Sue Spiers, 53, from Bradwell-on-Sea has painted three pieces for this year's calendar.
She said: "I submitted three paintings but I did not expect them to all be accepted. I am very lucky I got one, let alone all three.
"Most of my work is focused on marine life, things that have a connection with water because I am surrounded by the River Blackwater, the North Sea, and the River Crouch.
"I have always painted. My parents were both very good and my Christmas presents were either paint sets or sketch pads.
"When I left college I worked in graphic design, I got married and moved to Bradwell and started painting as a hobby but realised I could do it as a career and became a full-time painter in 1988.
"I mainly sell my work at exhibitions, but I also get involved in the Burnham and Maldon art trails.
"Out of the three paintings I am particularly proud of the splicing the rope on the barge because I did that one especially for the competition."
Her work is centred around the Maldon and Burnham areas, with Dragon Boats racing in Burnham Week, Maldon Regatta, and Splicing rope on S.B. 'Pudge'.
Calendars cost £3, plus 50p for postage if relevant, and can be bought at all Farleigh shops at Maldon, Braintree, Witham and Chelmsford and online at www.farleighhospice.org
