Scarlett paints herself a bright future

She's still at art school but Scarlett Raven has already been given her own solo show.

Raven, 21, who turned down a modelling contract to study at St Martin's School of Art, counts famous names among fans of her striking seascapes, oil-painted in bold colours.

Actor Orlando Bloom, who bought a painting and has lent it back for the show at Petley Fine Art in Mayfair, said: "I love how bold, courageous and beautiful Scarlett's work is."

Jim Beech, manager of rock group Queen, paid £10,000 for a work inspired by Pedney Beach in Cornwall.

Raven, whose father Raphael Ravenscroft played the famous saxophone solo on Gerry Rafferty's hit Baker Street, said: "I was painting for myself until I was 16 and saw a woman break down in tears looking at one of my pictures.

"It's an enormous privilege to be given my first show at a stage when I'm still learning."

Seascapes is at Petley Fine Art, Cork Street, for the next three weeks.