Pendle scenes prove popular for Colne artist

They are on show in lots of places and have a rather a cartoony look, but are full of beauty and pleasure.

She has created lots of scenes around Pendle. For instance, Nelson, Colne, Barnoldswick, Trawden and Wycoller jointly, Barrowford, and others. Some go further, of course – you can see Burnley or even Manchester, for instance.

Twelve of her paintings have gone on show at the Northern Life gallery in Sun Street, Colne, and they mainly feature places around here.

Her art has also been both on show and on sale at the two successful Art and Vintage Market events held in Nelson. And they are to be seen at Towneley Hall in Burnley.

Sue, who lives in Hawley Street, Colne, said: “They are more or less cartoon-like! I’ve been painting scenes of this area for the past two and a half years. They are going down well with people.”

One painting has been specially created for Oddies Bakery boss Bill Oddie. His daughter Lara ordered it for his birthday and asked Sue to include a scene of his bakery and his beloved Nelson Cricket Club ground!

Sue is originally from Manchester where she was worked as a nursery nurse and teaching assistant. But since she retired she has performed art, which was initially self-taught. And she has lived in Colne for 16 years.

She recently joined the University of Third Age and said: “That’s got an art group. I have also been to Nelson and Colne College for a year for training.

“My paintings are at very affordable prices, including printed ones for from £30.”

As well as local scenes, she has created lots of “Up North” non-identified scenes which include lots of sheep. They plus identifiable scenes appear at lots of tearooms between Manchester and Skipton.

She said: “Living in a valley, next to a viaduct, looking up to Bonnie Colne on th’Hill began this theme. The landscape and buildings create a shape and pattern defining the town.

“With titles such as ‘Love the Town You’re In’ and ‘Always look on the Bright Side of Life’ were more positive that the town’s motto ‘We Long Endure’!”

And she added: “My work has had a popular response from people who relate to the humour and nostalgia describing them as ‘local paintings for local people’.”

Some of the paintings she has created have found new homes in California, France, Spain and Australia. And she said: “What inspires me? It’s not GRIM up north – it’s how you look at it.”