Artist brushes off the lockdown
AN ARTIST has kept spirits up in her block of flats by painting 100 pictures in the first 100 days of lockdown - and giving one to each of her fellow residents.
All of the 100 flats in Clarence Mill, Bollington, now have a piece by Jane Harrison, 64, to hang on the wall.
She only took up art at the beginning of last year but her talent quickly bloomed and she decided to put it to prolific use while having more time on her hands in the Covid pandemic.
Her mission began as just an artistic treat for residents in the building who were either shielding or key workers.
But when other people saw Jane’s work they also put in requests and soon she decided to paint one for everyone at the flats.
She said: “It was difficult but it gave me a purpose during lockdown. I’ve got so many lovely messages, everyone in the mill has been so appreciative.
”Initially I thought it would only last a few weeks, some days it can be tough but on others it comes easy and I do two or three.
“I’m only a beginner but I love painting, it has been a revelation to me and you can really lose yourself in it.”
Working out who got a painting each day was done by drawing a flat number from a hat and then letting people know who won by the residents’ Facebook page.
Jane will have an exhibition later this year in the atrium of Clarence Mill and her painting will be hung in Cafe Waterside, Bollington.
She has also picked up five commissions during her lockdown painting.
Normally Jane attends beginners painting sessions with Wilmslow Guild at Macclesfield Town Hall.
She describes her style as abstract because she ‘does not go in for huge detail’ and likes painting landscapes, seascapes, animals, boats and flowers.
Jane says her prolific project is just one example of the team spirit that residents at Clarence Mill have.
She said: “There is a very good community here and I’ve been very lucky with my neighbours.
“Everyone has been so nice and helpful,lockdown has brought the community here together.”