Local artist looking for muses

AN artist from Melksham, Rose Purdon, is  in search of her muses, to give them a copy of her artwork, after painting four local residents.

One of Rose’s muses, Andrea Greenaway, has come forward to collect her portrait after Rose was successful in tracking her down. Andrea said, “I’m delighted! This will have pride of place in my home.”The hunt continues for the remaining three Melksham locals who inspired Rose to put paint to canvas.

“It all started with the little lady” Rose told Melksham Independent News, “she seemed so sweet, and I wanted to get her on canvas. I often saw her walking from the Beanacre direction, under the viaduct nearing the A350, walking to get her lunch around 11.30am but haven’t seen her again since I painted her.

“Then I found a man in the art shop whilst I was buying paints, he has an intriguing face. He also was an artist and belonged to an art group.

“Then I found Andrea, with the most amazing hair, all natural curls that she didn’t do anything to; she was covered in paint after painting some very tall walls.

“Then finally a rainy day found me sheltering in the church yard when this gentleman popped in and he has such a fascinating face.

“I asked each one if I could take a photo and try and get them on canvas and they said ok. After doing these four, I can’t stop now. I’m going through all my grandchildren and great-grandchildren and I’ve got better with each painting, so thank you to the Melksham four that got me starting to paint again.”

If you recognise these people, or recognise yourself, the paintings are being kept at the Melksham Independent News office at 31 Market Place. Please email news@melkshamnews.co.uk or call in to collect.