A painter whose teaching inspired many a young artist in York has died at the age of 66.

Eric Richardson, of Acomb, was head of art at Canon Lee School after moving to the city in the 1970s.

He took early retirement and began to teach art at adult education classes at many locations across York, while cultivating his own artistic talents - pastimes he continued until he died.

Mr Richardson lived in Skelton for many years and used the countryside near the village as inspiration for much of his work, particularly a path near the Blacksmiths Arms in the village which he called "the lane".

He was also chairman of Skelton Art Group for at least ten years, and his favourite painter was Paul Cezanne, whom he would always maintain was not an Impressionist.

One of the last things Mr Richardson did was to organise this year's Skelton Art Show, which was another great success.

His daughter, Elizabeth said: "As well as being an artist, he was a natural-born teacher. You couldn't stop him teaching, even when he was at home.

"He really tried to bring out the best in people."

She said that Mr Richardson's family had been inundated with calls from people in York who wanted to pay tribute to him.

Mr Richardson leaves his brother Peter, his daughters Elizabeth and Katie and seven grandchildren.

His funeral is provisionally due to take place next Tuesday, at 10am, at York Crematorium.

Updated: 16:32 Tuesday, May 22, 2001