Since retiring from hairdressing six years ago, Ms Henderson, a self-taught artist, has been capturing central Victoria's animal magnificence.

"I had been in business in Eaglehawk for more than 30 years in this particular building and am very grateful that I've had art to fill my creative void," Ms Henderson said.

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Grange Gallery, located at the corner of High and Victoria Streets, Eaglehawk, has been the location of two hairdressing businesses for a number of years.

The coronavirus pandemic struck and one business vacated, with Ms Henderson deciding to fill the void with her artwork.

"I decided to create a gallery space because an empty shop on the main street is like having a missing tooth in the middle of your smile," she said.

For the Love of Dog is Ms Henderson's first exhibition.

As the daughter of an artist, Ms Henderson was exposed to the field from a young age, with her creative work spanning watercolour, pastel and acrylic painting.

"Mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and doesn't paint anymore, but offers me valuable feedback about my work," she said.

"I started painting dogs and then horses and have gone back to dogs and have steadily improved over the years by just plugging away at it."

Unlike hairdressing, Ms Henderson said the errors can be easily rectified. .

"With hairdressing, the creative process is between two people, myself and the customer," she said.

"If I make a mistake or they're not happy, I'd feel sick.

"With art, if I paint something badly, I can paint over it and that takes a huge creative weight off my shoulders."

To learn more, search Jan Henderson Artist on Facebook or visit Grange Gallery on Fridays and Saturdays.

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