The latest exhibit in the Capital One Art Space features colorful scenes of flowers, birds and landscapes by Peggy Borel — a self-described accidental artist with a love for watercolor pencils and all things nature.

Borel said she “stumbled” upon art back in her 40s, around 2001, while watching her son study art in school.

“He did a portrait and I was like, ‘I want to do that,’” Borel said. “For Christmas that year they bought me a book on how to do lifelike portraits, so that’s kind of how my journey started.”

Borel, originally from Maine, moved with her husband down to Southwest Louisiana in 1984 and, after travelling with his work for some years, settled down in the community she now calls “home.” 

Borel creates merchandise, art, portraits and illustrations full time and sells her work out of a booth at Flock of Five Gift & Art Emporium in Sulphur. She’s taken art classes at McNeese State University and at a college in Chicago.

“It’s a way to self-express,” Borel said. “It’s also a relaxing a way to get away from the stress of life.”

The exhibit, including 20 pieces, will hang in the lobby of the Capital One tower, 1 Lakeshore Drive, through May 15. 

Borel said the work is for sale and that she’ll take requests for commissioned artwork, as well. 

For more information, visit her website at peggyaborel.wixsite.com/peggyborel.