Artistic single mum-of-three Charlotte Ralph is winning new friends on social media by using her body as a canvas.

Charlotte, 29 from Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey, began decorating her knees when she ran out of paper and is now exploring her whole body.

She created a design on her back, tiger stripes on her legs and, most recently, she emblazoned a giant butterfly and flowers across her shoulders.

The author of four books explained: "As an artist I always find new ways to express who I am. So I started using my body as a canvas instead of paper. The feedback has been amazing. People from all over the world have been looking at my new art work. I call it body self-expression."

Her first experiments were in December not long after she became an ambassador for the Empowering Women movement. She said: "Since then, my confidence has really grown. I was invited to a women's global conference and my life changed.

"As a mum of two boys and a girl and a business student I study and work with other women, especially empowering ones. I want to show that women are worth more than some see us.

"We hide away in the shadows, not thinking we have any self-worth. I know that, because I felt the same. But times are changing. We should start standing up for ourselves."

She said: "I want to continue with body art because I now feel comfortable in my own skin."

She says her tiger or 'mummy' strips are her favourite. She admitted: "It took all my confidence to do them. As an artist it is my best work yet. Embracing being a mum is the best job of all."

She added: "Body art is scary to do but I am loving this new way to express my work. And at the very least, it should cheer up anyone stuck in tier 4."

See more paintings on her website www.rosegoldgallery.com

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