Fast forward to 2020 and Dorothy is preparing to host her very first solo exhibition titled Evolution.

"I only learned to draw in 2013 and I really wanted to do watercolours, but for me it was hard to find someone to teach me," Dorothy said.

"Now I know you can go anywhere and have a lesson. I dabbled in watercolours and acrylics.

"Then there is a teacher of oils in Griffith, so that's how I got started.

MORE NEWS

"I've also been creative. A lot of people would know me for my dressmaking. Then I went into computers and building them.

"Life changed and I found myself at home a bit more, so I decided to teach myself how to draw from a book."

That persistence and lessons in oils has now paid off, with Dorothy excited to be hosting her first solo exhibition, opening on October 19 at the Leeton Museum and Gallery.

She will also be the first individual artist to showcase her work at the museum and gallery, which is located within the former WCIC building in Chelmsford Place.

"It came about after a chance conversation with Sues Vos (Leeton Shire Council's marketing and cultural services co-ordinator) who suggested I do an exhibition," Dorothy said.

"I thought 'maybe I can'. I've never done anything like this before.

"I don't even really sell anything, I just gift it to people. So, I think it's time to get out there."

Around 30 of Dorothy's masterpieces will be on display, with a select few available to purchase.

What inspires her artwork is the land and places around her.

"It's called Evolution because what I'm doing is showing when I first started painting with oils in 2015 through until now," Dorothy said.

"I paint whatever I'm inspired by. I'm inspired by what is around me.

"At the moment I'm quite enjoying painting from old photos. So I get the old photo, research it so then I can changing it into colour."

While residents can take in the exhibition from October 19 through to November 27 at no charge, Dorothy has also created a website featuring her work, how to commission her to create a piece for you and much more.

She will also be on site in the gallery every Tuesday and Friday painting as part of live demonstrations, with questions always welcome.

"I'll talk to anyone that comes in and wants to see how I work," she said.

The exhibition will be open from October 19 to November 27, with opening hours every Monday through to Saturday from 10am to 3pm.