In pictures: Beryl Cook exhibition

An exhibition in London is celebrating the iconic work of artist Beryl Cook to mark her 80th birthday. She started out after experimenting with her son's paints in her 40s.

The artist, who has been described as "Rubens with jokes" by comic Victoria Wood, named this painting Bouillabaise in Marseille. She says she loves the city.

Cook had many different jobs before becoming a painter, including a landlady and showgirl. This painting is titled How's Business.

This is called Smoker's Delight. Despite giving up smoking years ago, Cook says: "My delight as well! She is doing exactly what I'd like to do."

Cook called this work Big Shoes. She drew this after seeing two women in her local pub.

The artist admits to admiring the work of the English visionary artist Stanley Spencer, his influence is evident in her bold bulky figures like this one entitled True Pout.

Mr Muscle was inspired after Cook saw a man on Brighton Pier. She says: "I'm not sure what happens when you put the money in but he's got a very muscular arm."

Cook is a shy and private person, who often depicts the flamboyant and extrovert characters she would love to be.

In 1995 Cook was made an OBE. In Rhythm is the name of this work of a woman dancing.

This is a self-portrait of the artist herself. The exhibition - Beryl Cook at 80! - is at the Portal Gallery in Dover Street, London, until 21 October 2006.

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