JEAN Boswell, York great-grandmother and cancer survivor, is turning a lifelong love of painting into an award-winning hobby.
A former York market trader, 79-year-old Jean is preparing to open her latest exhibition of picturesque York landmarks and North Yorkshire scenery at Pocklington Arts Centre on August 9.
On show will be 32 paintings and 29 prints and among the most eye catching is Jean’s panoramic painting of the 2014 Tour de France riders passing through St Helen’s Square in York on Le Grand Depart.
York artist Jean Boswell at work on one of her paintings. Picture: Frank Dwyer
The painting was inspired by an award-winning photograph by Anthony Chappel-Ross, formerly of The Press, and has gone on to win an award too.
"It's hugely detailed, rich in colour, full of people and life and it was just the distraction I needed while I underwent cancer treatment," says Jean, of Badger Hill, York. "I find painting very therapeutic. Any problems you may have, painting just carries them away. That’s the reason I did the Tour de France painting because there are a lot of people in it; there is so much going on."
Jean's Pocklington exhibition, painted mostly in oils, features colourful scenes from across the region, including York, Scarborough, Burnby Hall and Gardens, Helmsley, Thornton-le-Dale, the Hole of Horcum, Rosedale, Staithes, Hutton-le-Hole and one of her favourite places, Robin Hood’s Bay.
Jean Boswell's portrait of her granddaughter, Lucy, and her youngest great grandchild, Theo
Alongside these works are portraits of Jean's nearest and dearest, including her five grandchildren and three great grandchildren aged 11, nine and only nine months. "I’m always painting my family and friends; it’s just a lovely way to capture memories," says Jean.
Jean’s love of painting started in her early childhood, and she once wanted to go to art school, but as the youngest of three children born to Albert Beedle, a York tiler and slater, and Gladys, a housewife and occasional cleaner, such a wish could not be financed.
"I have painted all my life, since I was a child. I can remember sitting on our doorstep at the age of around four, and the neighbours coming past saying ‘what are you drawing today, Jean?’. But I've never been to art school; my mother just couldn’t afford for me to go," she recalls.
After leaving school at 15, Jean worked as a junior clerk for a department store and a telephone operator in the railway offices before marrying Gordon.
"I have painted all my life, since I was a child," says Jean Boswell. Picture: Frank Dwyer
Next came their daughter Debbie and a career selling handbags and jewellery at York Market, and it is no coincidence that one of the largest pieces on show, measuring 6ft by 5ft, will feature the flower stall in Parliament Street.
Jean devoted much of her life to working at the market, caring for her late husband, who lost his battle with Multiple Sclerosis almost 30 year ago, and having fun with her grandchildren who now are all grown up.
She has since found time to focus on her art and is working at present on a private collection of paintings inspired by her childhood memories, in particular her experiences of growing up in York during the Second World War.
Jean Boswell's Pocklington show will run from August 9 to September 18. Admission is free.
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