Having already given up on art once in his life, Carshalton artist Neal Vaughan does not intend to make the same mistake twice.

The painter attended art college and took in stints at Reigate, Epsom and Gwent in his early days, before moving into the world of television production.

And having reignited his passion, it is full steam ahead for Vaughan.

He reveals: “When I was working in television I did not really get much time to paint, but eventually I thought I would have a crack at it as a hobby.

“As soon as I picked up the brush I fell in love with art all over again, and things have blossomed from there.

“My wife is also an artist and we decided to try and put on some exhibitions.”

But things were not that easy, until a chance meeting with a neighbour changed their outlook.

Vaughan adds: “We were at a pub lunch of all things with our neighbour Adriaan Van Heerden, who is a photographer and poet, and we were talking about how hard it is to get your stuff exhibited.

“There and then we decided to join forces as there was a far greater chance of success if we worked together and exhibited together.”

This was January 2008 and since then Neal, Helena and Adriaan have gone from strength to strength, with their varying ingredients providing a tasty recipe.

Vaughan reveals: “I mainly specialise in landscapes - I love London and the local area and it does not take much to tempt me into painting.

“Helena concentrates more on everyday objects and items like architecture and flowers but with a different approach - she takes very classical items and gives them a modern spin.

“Adriaan is both a photographer and poet and uses the fact that he is very well-traveled internationally to produce some stunning work - with everything from Carshalton to Cape Town.”

The trio share equal billing, although Neal admits that the fact that his paintings are bigger may sway things in his favour, and local art lovers are urged to check out their talents with their current exhibition at Bourne Hall.

Running until August 2 it features a heady mix of oil paintings, photography, mixed media collages and poetry.

Vaughan adds: “I have visited the gallery at Bourne Hall so many times since I was young and it is fantastic to have the opportunity to exhibit there.

“We are all really looking forward to it and hopefully visitors will to.”

Arts Collaboration, Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell, until August 2, free