Frenzied strokes of paint coloured the canvas as 18 years of pent up artistic frustration flowed through the brush.

As a former veterinarian sales representative Mrs Deakin decided her passion for art wasn’t something she wanted to leave anymore, and so began painting her works of art after almost two decades away.

But it appears her absence from the industry has not tarnished her skills as Mrs Deakin is preparing to enter one of her newest pieces in the prestigious Archibald Prize 2010.

Depicting Better Homes and Gardens host Johanna Griggs, the painting tells the story of a massive career shift in the life of this well-known TV personality.

As a former world ranked backstroke swimmer, Griggs actually started her career in the spotlight before transitioning into television.

After a call to a friend in the make-up industry Mrs Deakin had her subject.

“She said it would be an honour to sit for me,” she said.

And because she’s far better known as a celebrity, it’s a way of getting to realise she has a different life.”

With a picture of how she wanted the painting to look etched in her mind, Mrs Deakin set up station on the side of a pool with Griggs perched over the side.

“She was sitting in the edge of her pool in winter so it was a tad cold,” Mrs Deakin said.

“But she said, ‘I’ll do anything you tell me to do’.

“It’s very exciting painting people from a life category. It makes your work more fulfilling.”

Painting animals, however, is another of her strong suites as she brings the animals alive with intricate lines and realistic eyes that draw the viewer in.

“I really love my animal portraits because I like to put an energy into their faces to depict their personality,” she said.

“I’ve always thought eyes are the highway to the soul.”

Apart from her Griggs portrait Mrs Deakin will also be entering one of her animal paintings into the Sir John Sulman prize which depicts two giraffes contrasted against one of the best views in Sydney.

“They’re just these gorgeous stunning creatures with a backdrop of this harbour and they have no idea they have a view of the most expensive property,” she said.

“It’s just to show the contrast.”

Having always been passionate about her art through high school Mrs Deakin is looking forward to see how her pieces are received.

“I have high hopes for just being hung in either of the categories,” she said.

But whether or not either painting is chosen, Deakin won’t give up.

“It’s just within me,” she said.

“I need to do it.”