A RETIRED architect from Eckington hopes an exhibition of his pictures will encourage others to discover the joys of painting.

Arthur Ore, aged 75 is displaying 48 watercolour, pastel and oil paintings, covering a range of subjects from local churches to Mediterranean landscapes in an exhibition titled The First Six Years.

He started learning watercolour techniques at Evesham Art College six years ago after retiring and now attends evening classes at Pershore's Number 8.

Before that Mr Ore, a married man with four children, had little time for painting due to the demands of a busy career.

He began work with Fleet Air Arm during the Second World War and went on to join several national and international companies as an architect.

He is well known in the Pershore area for his involvement with various community groups such the town's civic society and twinning association and he is a member of Eckington Parish Council.

"I found the idea of retirement a bit boring," he admits, explaining his decision to take up painting after finishing his last job as company architect with Halfords Ltd.

Mr Ore concedes he could already draw pretty well but the precision needed in his work as an architect did not necessarily help him to produce good art.

"I had to learn to be a bit more relaxed, and not worry about being so precise," he said.

Looking at his pictures he appears to have managed to let his pencil or brush flow more expressively and has improved his technique so much so that he has won several prizes for his work at competitions like Pershore Flower and Craft Show.

"I didn't ever think I could get to this standard when I started," he recalls.

Mr Ore has gained a great deal of enjoyment and satisfaction from his newly discovered talent and he strongly recommends others like him to have a go as well.

The exhibition at Pershore Library in Church Street, opens on Saturday and runs until February 24.