AN inspirational landscape artist who uses his mouth to paint demonstrated his ability to youngsters at Cotherstone School.
David Cawthorne, from Castleford in West Yorkshire, was introduced to painting as occupational therapy after he broke his neck playing rugby, aged 18, in 1981.
What started as a hobby turned into a successful career and for the past 33 years he has been involved with Mouth and Foot Painting Artists, an international association of disabled artists.
Staff and pupils learned about how he became a painter during an assembly and then each class enjoyed artistic workshops with him.
Mr Cawthorne said: “I came to the school many years ago and did a demonstration and was delighted they wanted me to come back again.”
He has been promoting the work of the association, which has members in 80 countries. He said: “We are always looking for new talent among disabled people who take up painting as a form of therapy to inspire others that they can still achieve things.”
“I generally use acrylic paints in my work, although I do like to use oil, it takes longer to dry and it’s not good having all the chemicals so close to my face.
“As I do landscapes, I don’t sketch out in pencil as it’s not as forgiving as a brush. Once I’ve got a brushed outline I build up the painting from there.”
As well as inspiring pupils to try painting using their mouth Mr Cawthorne demonstrated his skill, quickly creating a painting of an eagle
He said: “I only had an hour so it’s not finished and I’ll do that at home and send it back to the school.”
For more information about the MFPA visit the website, mfpa.co.uk
