Published: Thursday, 4th February, 2010 6:00am

Walk on the wild side for Carol

A WILDLIFE artist who draws and paints some of Africa's most fascinating species is holding an exhibition of her work in Aberlady, starting tomorrow (Saturday).

Carol Barrett's 'African Journey', an exhibition which is mainly inspired by animals seen along Botswana's Chobe River, will be displayed until March 31 at Waterston House, home of the Scottish Ornithologists' Club.

The artist trained at Edinburgh Art College and her interest in nature comes from living next to Edinburgh Zoo as a child, living on a small farm in the Borders and from her father.

She was also the artist in residence at the Royal Zoological Society in 1994, has exhibited with various wildlife organisations and was shortlisted in the 2009 BBC Wildlife Magazine's art competition in the endangered species category.

She said: "I paint animals because I love animals, and want to use my skills to make people empathise with them and care about what's happening to their species in the wild. I truly believe every individual can do something to help and united we can make a real difference to protect endangered wildlife."

The exhibition is open seven days a week from 10am until 4pm, and to mark the opening Carol will be at the gallery from noon until 4pm tomorrow (Saturday). She will also give a free talk on Sunday, March 6.