Ilkley Artist Laura Wallace Raises Money In Memory Of A Dear Family Friend

Laura Wallace, the talented Ilkley-based artist, has launched a series of on-line painting lessons to raise money for leading mental health charity, the Charlie Waller Trust.

The 'Master the Art of Painting' lessons are a series of 30-minute on-line sessions, which provide step-by-step guides to creating beautiful art from scratch.

Laura’s expert guidance will take would-be artists through simple sketching to a finished oil painting covering still life to portraits, landscapes to flowers.

Fellow artists Julie Cameron, Hermione Gibbs and Leonie Gibbs, who are all from Scotland, are providing the same painting lessons for the same worthy cause.

Laura, who has exhibited at the prestigious Royal Academy, explained: “I have long been a supporter of the Charlie Waller Trust, which was set up in memory of Charlie, who tragically took his own life in 1997. He was just 28 and was a dear family friend. He had his whole life ahead of him.

“The Trust has done amazing work over the years, raising awareness of mental health and depression. In today’s strange and challenging times, the Trust’s work is more important than ever.

“From a personal perspective, I feel that painting is incredibly beneficial for positive mental wellbeing. Doing something creative, like painting or writing, is like having a friend for life. It is incredibly therapeutic; you become immersed in what you are doing and, all being well, proud of what you have achieved.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be taking part in this project and to be providing some guidance to any budding artists out there. These online sessions provide an opportunity for people to take a break from the pressures of life and learn something new."

Clare Stafford, Chief Executive of the Charlie Waller Trust, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have got the support of such acclaimed artists to lead our really exciting online art course. Getting creative is a great way to support your mental wellbeing so if you’ve ever wanted to paint but didn’t know where to start, this is for you.”

The cost is £15 per session or a discounted price of £50 for all four sessions. The sessions are introduced by television celebrity Alexander Armstrong, the host of Pointless, who is a patron of the Trust, and the Trust chairman Richard Waller QC, brother of Charlie.

You can access the online sessions at https://charliewaller.org/get-involved/master-the-art-of-painting