Her work is a hybrid of drawing and painting as she begins each with a sketch in pencil. Sometimes she will complete the piece with colour, and other times she abandons it completely.

"My sketch book is always in my purse. Often my pieces are in my sketch book for a while and then when something interests me I go with it. You can't go with everything -- what happens, happens."

What she "goes with" depends on whether it catches her eye architecturally, and how she thinks it will reproduce with oil on canvas.

"I like oil because it allows for a lot of correction and thinking."

Hinman's work has been described as "abbreviated, semi-abstract and designerly," although she doesn't personally like to put a label on it.

"I don't like labels at all. People tell me it's abstract but I think I'm just doing my job portraying the essence (of the piece). Sometimes what you leave out says more than what you include."

Hinman has spent many hours watching the boats pass through the locks in Port Colborne. She often paints from life when the boats are still, but in the busy summer months she has to settle for photos.

"I prefer to paint from life because it gives a sense of urgency. It's also good for your observation skills."

Hinman came to Canada from the United Kingdom in 1967 after studying art at Manchester College of Art and Design and the Birmingham College of Art. She said she has always been interested in art and as a little girl, was inspired by her grandmother's watercolour paintings.

"I've always drawn. I think people just end up being good at this or that."

Hinman currently resides in Wainfleet and has had many well-received shows locally. She is an active member of the artist co-operative Arts Place in Port Colborne.

Hinman's work is on display for the month of November at the Arts Council of Fort Erie's gallery at 238 Ridge Rd. N., next to From Cover to Cover bookstore. The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and is closed Sundays and Mondays. Admission is free.