John Abrahams

From schoolchildren to an artist of 68 who re-discovered his talents after fifty years – everyone’s working hard preparing for the 10 Parishes Festival in September.

For artist John Abrahams, 68, who will be sharing a venue at The Bear Inn Skittle Alley in Wiveliscombe, it will be just six months since he started exhibiting professionally – after putting down his paint brushes 50 years ago.

“In my late teens life pulled me in other directions and there seemed no time for art. Last year my partner and an artist friend nudged me back in and it fired me up again,” said John, who still works full-time by day as an antique furniture upholsterer, painting at night and on the weekends.

It was only when his partner bought him a painting course of five weeks, and an artist friend gave him a few tips, that he overcame his reluctance and found he was really enjoying himself.

Now this will be his third exhibition – and he has found interest in his work highly encouraging. He mostly paints seascapes and coastal scenes, and is always  fascinated by “the wonder of nature’s skies.”

“The sky is my starting point – I really enjoy the excitement of not knowing where it’s going to go, how the colours and atmosphere will happen. I just see how the sky takes me.