There’s no doubt that the past eighteen months haven’t been easy for any of us. Aside from the pandemic I’ve been dealing with a lot of other issues including bereavement and health concerns. The latter have thankfully improved and I’m now working my way back to fitness.

At the start of lockdown, I was determined to keep positive and decided that I would keep in touch with family and friends through video calls. Then a problem with dry eyes meant that that idea was scratched.

Usually, I find exercise a great way to relax but with lockdown I couldn’t go to the gym. So, with all usual avenues closed off to me, I found it difficult to stay upbeat. Normally writing can provide a great means of escapism but when your mind is clouded with worry it’s not always easy to concentrate.

Thankfully, during lockdown I discovered a talent that I didn’t even know I had. Previously I had attended a handful of art classes about six or seven years ago. It was something I had always wanted to go back to but never got round to it. Then, during lockdown, I happened to notice some online classes on Facebook and managed to attend two of them before my dry eyes forced me to quit. But I’d got the bug by then, so I decided to pursue my love of art further.

Some years ago, my son bought me a book on art so I started to read that. I also found short video clips on YouTube showing painting techniques. Because they were only short, I found them much easier to watch than the lengthy online art classes. I therefore decided to have a go myself, polishing up on techniques as I went along.

I’m still very much a learner but am pleased with what I have achieved so far. I’ve added my best paintings to this post so you can check them out. I can honestly say that painting has got me through lockdown. I know it might sound dramatic but it’s true. Painting is a wonderful way to pass time and it keeps you fully engaged so that your mind isn’t wandering onto all the negative things. It’s good to know that for me personally at least something good has come out of a very trying period.

Have you managed to draw any positives from the last eighteen months? If so, I’d love to hear about them in the comments below.