(©AAH/Toby Phillips Photography)
CREATIVE NURTU
THE ART ACADEMY INSPIRES ARTISTS OF ALL AGES AND ABILITIES
D
uring lockdown, there was a surge in popularity in leisure pursuits, from running and cycling to kayaking and paddleboarding. There was a creative boom too, with many learning a new instrument, writing a book or picking up a paintbrush.
For Lorna Beard, owner of The Art Academy, this gives cause for optimism as her business rebuilds in the wake of Covid-19. Lorna had only recently taken over the reins from founder Lydia Sanderson when she was forced to close the doors. Classes are now back underway and Lorna reveals that the lockdown has inspired some to experience the social interaction and vibrant creative hub of the Academy for the first time...
WIN-WIN SCENARIO Lorna studied Art at college only to end up working in finance for ten years. It was only after being made redundant that she turned her full attention back to art. “I knew I had to improve my skills in certain areas if I wanted to make a living as an artist, so went along to The Art Academy,” said Lorna. “With more experience, I gradually improved and started picking up more commissions.” “I would work during the day and paint at evenings and weekends, often assisting Lydia with teaching. As well as developing my own artistic style, I became familiar with those visiting the Academy regularly.
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“Eventually, Lydia wanted to retire to pursue other interests and she asked me if I would like to continue the Academy. My idea was to run the business parallel to my own work, so I could continue to experiment with abstract and impressionist art, as well as landscapes and portraits.” “To be a good artist, it’s important to paint as often as possible. Here, I can do that and as I improve, I can help others do likewise. It feels like a win-win scenario. I finally took over from Lydia in January and everything was going very well until we had to close in March.”
