Help us paint a brighter picture for class

ART lovers can brush up their painting skills by attending local classes – which could close down unless more members sign up.

Tutor Philip Walker has been teaching people the skills needed to create stunning paintings for more than 20 years.

ENJOYS TEACHING: Tutor Philip Walker at Trinity Methodist Church Hall, Immingham. Pictures: Rick Byrne. Buy these photos at www.thisisphotosales.co.uk/grimsby
CLASS ACT: Philip Walker works with his students.
Student Jean Lewis at work in one of the classes.

But recently student numbers have fallen in his classes in Immingham and Utterby, and now Philip wants to spread the word about what he can offer to potential members.

"I have relied on loyalty to keep the classes going – some people have been coming for 16 years – but the numbers have been gradually falling, which is such a shame," he said.

"We have always had really good, strong classes and there is a chance we might fold if we don't get the numbers up."

Philip, a retired engineer from Utterby, began teaching painting 21 years ago in the village hall.

He was soon teaching more than 200 pupils a week in 11 different classes across North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire.

In 2005, Philip resigned and began teaching privately around local venues. He currently holds two classes in Utterby Village Hall and Immingham's Trinity Church Hall.

The classes are open to absolute beginners and are centred on easy-to-follow demonstrations – he even loans out the necessary brushes and paints so students can "try before they buy".

Jean Lewis has been a student of Philip's for 14 years.

She said: "The numbers have dwindled, but we would all like to keep it going. We enjoy each class as well as each other's company and we learn a bit more every week.

"People who are thinking about joining a new class have no need to feel afraid because they don't think they will be good enough, Philip talks it through in small stages. I have learned a lot over the years."

Philip said: "I enjoy teaching people who think they don't have the ability to paint. I loan them all the equipment and they go home with a painting their family and friends don't believe they have done."

Philip holds classes at Utterby Village Hall every Tuesday from 6.45pm to 9.15pm and at Trinity Church Hall, Immingham, every Wednesday from 1pm to 3.30pm.

Fees are £5 per session. To find out more, call 01472 840669.