Talented artist Amanda Smith is enjoying success with her paintings as two pieces of her work have found homes in prestigious places.

Amanda, who lives in Watford, attends art therapy classes at the national charity Epilepsy Society. One of her brightly coloured canvases was chosen as a Christmas present for Her Majesty The Queen, who is a patron of the charity.

Amanda went with representatives from the charity to present the painting at Buckingham Palace.

Now a second piece of her artwork has been loaned to Cambridge-based Congenica, the charity’s collaborators in genomic research to understand why some people with epilepsy die suddenly and with no explanation. Congenica aims to revolutionise personalised patient care through accurate diagnoses and drug development.

Amanda has been taking part in art therapy classes on a weekly basis for the last three years.

She says: “The painting at Congenica was done during art therapy sessions at the Epilepsy Society when I was at a stage of extreme seizures and life was full of uncertainties. The seizures are now a part of my daily life, but art therapy has been my lifeline.”

She designed the painting over the course of a few art therapy sessions. It features a range of bright colours and intertwining lines, to form an abstract piece of art.

Amanda said: “The piece of art wasn’t planned; I always start with a blank canvas and just let my subconscious guide me on what to paint. Each colour at the time of painting represents where I am in my life. The pink and yellow show there is hope but the blue is a reminder that not every day is easy.”

Amanda visited Congenica’s headquarters last week with the charity’s Philanthropy and Strategic Partnerships Manager, Yvonne Konieczna, to have a tour around the site and to present her painting. Amanda said: “I really enjoyed the visit. It’s amazing the work that they are doing.”

Clare Pelham, Chief Executive at the Epilepsy Society, said: “Amanda’s artwork is beautiful and inspiring and she should rightly feel proud to have her paintings so well received both at Buckingham Palace and Congenica. Many people with epilepsy find it is therapeutic to express their seizures through art and Amanda’s paintings give a real insight into the impact that epilepsy has on her life.”

David Atkins, Chief Executive Officer of Congenica, said: “Congenica’s entire purpose is to help people like Amanda understand the causes of the diseases they live with. Being able to share Amanda’s artwork has been an important and continual reminder of who we are working for.”