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The eroding coastline of East Yorkshire has always fascinated Rod. It's rugged ever changing appearance coupled with having the experience of living at the seaside in Blackpool inspired him to move to Hornsea from York after his retirement from his job with the Benefits Agency. Although retired from the Civil Service, up until the age of 55 he'd been an engineer having gained a Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Sheffield University many years ago.

Rod discovered painting and art through his wife who taught the subject. Rod is also a member of a walking club in Hornsea and every Monday he goes walking with a group of friends and always carries his camera with him to take a few snaps which he will use as the starting point for his paintings.

Painting has become something of an obsession for Rod. So much so that he's now a member of the Hornsea Art Society who meet regularly and invite speakers to come and talk about a range of subjects connected with art. Rod says it's a learning experience all the time and each speaker will bring something new to Rod's attention which he will try and incorporate in his own work.

Each year the society holds a special exhibition which is judged by non-members of the group and prizes are awarded. Rod recently took a picture at Skipsea and it's this photo which he used as a basis for the painting he's already completed which will be submitted later this year. The picture below is the one of him holding his finished work.

Rod and his competition entry

The competition held each year is only open for society members to enter but the work is exhibited and can be seen by members of the public. Members' work is put up for sale and Rod is pleased that he's been able to sell some of his work which is hanging up on the walls of homes of people across the area.

The society is having a special exhibition at the Beverley Art Gallery from 16th February to 29th March, which includes a demonstration week from the 3rd March. This year's Hornsea exhibition runs from 20th July to 3rd August.