Budding local artists prove You CAN Draw

A WORLD of opportunities have opened up for a group of local artists who have discovered that they really can draw and paint.

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The group are members of the You CAN Draw and Paint Academy, created by Southport artist Angela Birchall and, for three weeks in May, they are exhibiting their work at the ArtHouse Gallery in Southport.

Most of the group took part in a joint exhibition at the same gallery nearly two years ago and that was the first time any of them had ever shown their work in public. It was a massive turning point for them.

Since then they have been taking part in various local and regional exhibitions, selling their work, getting commissions and one even joined Angela in becoming a finalist in the Lancashire Artist of the Year competition.

As Angela explains: "After lockdown ended, I launched the academy initially teaching just watercolour classes, later adding acrylics and drawing classes.

"Most of this group started in those taught classes and when they were more experienced I created the tutored group. In these sessions they all work on whatever artwork they choose in whatever medium they prefer while I circulate offering advice, guidance, encouragement and tuition from my 50 years experience as an artist and teacher."

The format of the tutored group allows everyone to explore favourite subjects or brand new ones, experiment in a medium with which they are familiar or to try out a totally new one, always knowing that Angela is there as a safety net for them if needed.

As one of the artists, Janice Hobson, commented: "Since joining six months ago I feel much more confident in expressing myself through art. I have experimented with different styles and media and although I’m still finding my way it’s a fabulous safe space in which to do it.

"Angela is so knowledgeable, so positive, so helpful and with the support of the other group members it’s an experience I really value."