Around 7,000 people are expected to visit the studios over the weekend, and artists hope to snare up to £500,000 from sales and commissions.

Painter Judith Green, 53, from Hornsey Lane, said: "The event is very important because it lets members of the public come and see artists working in their own environment and talking directly about their work.

"Normally artists' studios are this sacred, hallowed ground and artists don't really want people in there, but this is a marvellous space to exhibit."

Ms Green said she frequently painted Highgate because of its varied landscape.

"It's a combination of nature and urban surroundings. Lots of buildings are very condensed and it makes for lots of interesting shapes and patterns."

Guardian cartoonist Ros Asquith, from Muswell Hill, moved to the studio two months ago after 24 years working from her bedroom.

She said: "This open event is really wonderful. I've met lots of different people who know my work from the Guardian or the Midwives' Journal - mainly teachers, librarians and midwives.

"It's absolutely great."

Radha Binod Sharma, 45, from Inderwick Road, Hornsey, founded the IMA in 2008 to promote Indian art in the UK.

He said: "Indian artists are not being properly marketed here, so I want to build their reputation and provide exposure for their work.

"They are extremely talented, which a wide range of skills, but they are not being noticed."

Chocolate Factory Open Studios continues between 12pm and 6pm tomorrow.

Visit www.chocolatefactoryartists.co.uk for more information on the artists and their work.

Artists give the public a taste of Chocolate: more than 100 artists at The Chocolate Factory, in Clarendon Road, opened their doors to give visitors a glimpse into their private studios