Frances Naggs, aged 50, from Houghwood Lane, Stockton Brook, has taught art for more than 20 years and has a rather unique style of teaching.

How did you become interested in art?

As a child I was a keen artist and loved to sketch and I was quite good at it.

I didn't go on to study art at first, as I was from a working class background and didn't think people like me went on to study at a higher level after school.

How did you become an art teacher?

I spent three years working before deciding to go to art college, which was when I came to Stoke, as I am originally from Manchester.

I studied at Staffordshire University from 1979 to 1982 and then went on to teach at the university.

Now I work for the exam board marking A-level artwork, but my main occupation is as a freelance art teacher, doing classes and the odd workshop in schools.

What is your own artwork like?

My artwork is mostly based on landscapes, using watercolours, oils and acrylics, but I teach a variety of art forms as I like to try and encourage people to develop their own style and get to grips with different mediums.

How do you teach art in this way?

I try to help people find their own way of working – at first we start off with still-life drawing and that helps them to see how they see things in their own way, discovering what they prefer to bring out in a picture, whether it is the colours or the 3D elements – it's about what they are interested in.

Can anybody learn how to paint?

I think everyone can find a way that is pleasing to them.

A lot of the people that I teach are retired and they have waited a long time to do something for themselves.

Art is about making your own decisions, which is different to the ones we make in life, as they are always about what you should do and not what you want to do.

How does art affect you and your students?

Painting is a personal thing and is something that can be important to have for yourself.

It is one of the few things that we use our brains and our hearts for at the same time.

Art can also become very enriching and you start to appreciate other people's art and also the world around you.

Do you have any new classes lined up?

I would like to start up a beginners' group as I think a lot of people would like a way into art, so that is something I am very keen to get going.

For details on Frances's art classes, call 01782 504956.