A NEW course to encourage people to enjoy painting for fun has started in Ryedale.

Held at Next Steps Resource Centre, in Church Street, Norton, the sessions are suitable for beginners and improvers with the aim of developing skills for enjoyment and relaxation.

Led by artist Ruth Collett, the course will also give participants an opportunity to exhibit their work.

Ruth said: “Everyone is welcome whatever their level of skills and for this course we have chosen a theme of pop art following a recent exhibition in London.

“Through fun exercises and games we will start with easy drawing of still life subjects such as fruit and flowers with pencils and pastels before adding colour paint washes.

“We will then look at painting with acrylics in different styles and look at the work of Pop Artists who emerged in the 1960s, at least partly in response to the development of this new paint.”

Ruth said the classes were friendly and supportive with students encouraged to work together and develop ideas.

“Students say how painting takes their mind of any worries they may have and how relaxing it is. It also enables them to look at their surroundings and appreciate nature and the environment,” she said.

“At the end of the course there will be an opportunity for those who have taken part to display their work in an exhibition at Next Steps.”

Classes are held on Tuesdays, from 10am to 12.30pm, and are free to those in receipt of income-related benefit.

For more information, phone Next Steps on 01653 690854.