I have always been interested in Art, and started drawing and painting as soon as I could hold a pencil. When I was eleven, I managed to pass the entry tests into the Junior Art Department of the Sheffield College of Art. All subjects taught included some form of Art, Maths and English Language being the only exceptions. The school building was pulled down in 1953 to make way for an extension to Sheffield Polytechnic, so we were moved to Brincliffe Grammar School, where we were able to take GCE ‘O’ levels. I decided that I wouldn’t be able to earn a living as an artist, so I became a draughtsman at the YEB.

I became interested in art again when my wife, Margaret, bought me an original watercolour painting, which inspired me to have a go.

I was invited to join Heeley Art Club in 1980, where I produced more work for the regular helpful comments meetings and exhibitions. My work is generally in watercolour but I have also used acrylic, pastel, gouache and emulsion paint.

I enjoy being a member of the club as I am able to mix with like-minded people, and the various deadlines set by Helpful Comments meetings and Exhibitions make me do more painting than I would do normally. I also get a lot of inspiration by seeing other peoples’ work.

Keith was previously President of the Heeley Art Club