JULIET Stockton is living the dream and her art’s in the right place.

The artist from Neston has her solo exhibition at Liverpool’s Inn hotel called Icons and it has been more than a labour of love.

Juliet says it has been a great thrill and a welcome launching pad for her creative career: "To be invited by the dot-art gallery at such an incredible city centre venue is just amazing.

"It means getting my work out there, increasing visibility, making connections - leading to potential future opportunities.’"

There are 23 artworks on show from The Beatles to Cilla Black, Prince to Harry Styles.

Wirral Globe: One of Juliet's artworksOne of Juliet's artworks (Image: Peter Grant)

Does Juliet have a favourite portrait?

"I loved creating them all and am attached to all of them, but 'Queen of Country' - Dolly Parton - was a dream to paint as her big hair, presence and over-the-top look worked especially well with my bold, energetic, vibrant style of painting," Juliet added.

Juliet says she owes so much to family and friends for her new artistic journey: "I'm very lucky to have a super supportive husband, teenage children and family, particularly as I'm working pretty much non-stop most of the time. 

"They all love coming to support me at exhibitions, there were around 20 of them at the opening and my close friends, too, which really means a lot.’"

Her exhibition has been timed perfectly as she hopes visitors who come to Merseyside for the Eurovision in May will also be able to see this free exhibition.

With a move across Liverpool to the city’s Everyman where Juliet will have a new collection of portraits - again promoted by the inspirational dot-art gallery called Liverpool Legends which will be unveiled in June, another exhibition will open hopefully later in the year.

Having had a varied career as human resource officer for 25 years, Juliet spent her early years in Papua New Guinea where she started painting and never looked back.

Only now has she taken the leap to go full time.

Neston is now home and where her heart is.

She said: "It's a great location as you're so close to Liverpool and Chester, yet it's still rural and great for dog walking.

"My mum and dad are just round the corner and it's got some great coffee shops. Parkgate is only a short walk away for an ice cream, too. You literally can't go anywhere without meeting someone from Neston."

In Icons she has captured local and global superstars.

The Globe asks Juliet is there anyone she would like to have painted living or dead.

She said: "It would have to be Olivia Newton-John as I've just adored her since I was a little girl. I've painted her a few times and those artworks are now owned by Olivia fans, but to have painted her from life would have been a dream come true for me.’"

You can follow her on Instagram and Facebook @julietstocktonart. 

Get the pick of the Wirral headlines sent straight to your inbox – click here to sign up.