Leonardo, Van Gogh, Picasso, Banksy - which might you be? Everyone has a great work of art inside them, waiting to be set free, if only they knew how.

And with the growing popularity of painting programmes on television, this couldn’t be a better time to learn how to release your own masterpiece by joining the All Seasons Art Club. 

Established in 2004, the club is up and running again after a long period of closure, due to the Covid lockdowns and restrictions, and is now looking to enrol some new members from in and around Tameside.

Meetings are held every Tuesday from 10am to 1pm at ‘The Hub’, Hattersley (next to Tesco) and, unlike many other art groups, benefits from the attendance of the well-known local professional artist, Sheila Meeks.

Sheila gives demonstrations in a variety of techniques and mediums, as well as one-to-one tuition and advice as needed. 

The informal sessions are ideal for all comers, whether absolute beginners or more experienced, so that new members can start at any time and everyone can progress at their own pace. Learning new skills builds confidence, encourages self-expression and promotes a wider interest in the arts in general. 

It doesn’t take too many sessions before a picture can be produced that’s well worth framing and being hung on a wall for others to admire.

All adults, of any age - and you’re never too old to learn - are most welcome and members have joined for a number of reasons in addition to the sheer pleasure of producing drawings and paintings, like retirees looking for a hobby that’s creative and stimulating, and not very expensive. 

Others have found the sessions therapeutic while recovering from illness or stress, and for full-time carers they provide a few hours of relaxing respite. 

As a clearly non-strenuous activity (no heavy lifting) creating artwork is ideal for anyone with mobility issues, while for those who live alone being a member of a friendly club gets them out of the house each week. 

Whatever the motivations, everyone enjoys the social aspect of regular meetings and working in the company of others with similar interests and sharing ideas, tips and perhaps even some light gossip over a coffee and toasted tea-cake.

Can’t draw a straight line? So what? Lots of famous artists couldn’t either. Georges Seurat did it all with dots and spots and Jackson Pollock only used drips, dribbles and splashes. Can only draw ‘stick’ people? Didn’t do Mr Lowry much harm, did it? There are no rules and the possibilities are endless.

Have you watched them on TV painting portraits and landscapes and thought ‘Wish I could do that’? Did you enjoy doing art at school and wish you’d kept it up? Well, now’s your chance to become the next Turner, Hockney, Tracy Emin, or better. 

Membership is still only £5 per week, after a free first ‘taster’ session, so call the club secretary, Stan Daley, on 01457 763450, and get your name down now.

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