LOCAL artist Sharon Dewsbury will launch her first exhibition tonight at the Back Room Gallery at Whitsunday Shopping Centre.

'An Artist's Journey' will feature approximately 20 artworks from Ms Dewsbury, an evolving artist in the region.

Ms Dewsbury's vivid colours and diverse works remind locals why they choose to live here.

"My inspiration is drawn from my surroundings. A lot of people walk around with shutters on and overlook or have adjusted to the beauty of Airlie Beach," she said.

The exhibition will be officially opened by artist Bonney Bombach tomorrow night.

Ms Dewsbury began painting when aboard a P&O cruise around the world in 2012.

"You know people who say 'I wish I could paint' well that was me," she said.

She met an art teacher on the cruise who inspired her to pick up a brush and paint for the first time since high school.

Two years later and she is the vice-president of Art Whitsundays.

Ms Dewsbury said it was both nerve-racking and exhilarating to put on her first exhibition.

"This is me and my thoughts in a room and on a wall for everyone to look at - it's a challenging process," she said.

Ms Dewsbury hopes to encourage locals who admire art to pick up a paintbrush like she did just two years ago.

"My prices are really cheap because everyone is struggling and if they are inspired by my work I want them to be able to afford it," she said.

'An Artist's Journey' will open to the public until the end of November.

AN ARTIST'S JOURNEY

What: The launch of Sharon Dewsbury's exhibition

When: Tonight, November 6

Where: The Back Room Gallery, Art Whitsunday, Whitsunday Shopping Centre

Time: 5-7pm