A self-taught artist left others inspired after sharing his tips and tricks.

Lyme Regis Art Society members were given an insight into various creative processes thanks to the expertise of Phil Clayton from The Town Mill.

Mr Clayton took a two-hour class with members, telling the story of his life – starting with his discovery of his love of painting, aged 12, through his struggle to get college qualifications, the awakening of a love of teaching – up to his current position with the Town Mill and Malthouse Galleries.

Mr Clayton taught himself to draw and paint, copying artist Nancy Kaminsky while watching her TV art programmes in the 70s, and was encouraged to use oils by his art teacher in secondary school.

Aged 17, he left school and home to work in a bank in London, taking A-levels at college.

After a degree and further teaching experiences in schools and colleges, included working with young offenders, he became head of department at Yeovil College before heading to Lyme Regis.

The paintings and drawings he displayed for the society illustrated the different stages of his journey, both in this country and in Russia and France where he has a studio where he retreats to paint.

A society member said: “Holding us enthralled for two hours - and we would have loved more – his basic advice was simple;

don’t get expensive materials

and boxes of little tubes of

paint.

“Get seven or eight big tubes of cheap paint, a sheet of spare glass to mix them on, a piece of board or canvas to work on –and just

paint.”

“We came out heartened, enthused and grateful that Phil had fitted us in to his busy schedule.”

The Lyme Regis Art Society

Society meets on alternate Tuesdays in The Woodmead Halls from 2pm to 4pm until the end of March.

The final demonstration ‘Working with Pan Pastels,’ by Tony Hogan, will take place on Tuesday, March 20.

Visitors and new members are welcome.

For more information, contact Sheila Stratton on 01297 445464 or visit lymeregisartssociety.org.uk