Gloucestershire care home residents paint themselves into famous masterpieces

Care home residents in Cheltenham have been picking up their pencils, paintbrushes and cameras to recreate their own famous art inspired by old masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh and Edvard Munch.

Residents from Sandfields have been taking part in the Big Draw Festival where each resident looked at an original piece of artwork to study. They then used their very best photography and acting skills to recreate the poses ensuring they were an accurate portrayal from some of the most famous portraits.

Once captured, the photograph of the resident was printed and photocopied before being glued to its famous background which the residents recreated using pencils, watercolours, pastels, and pens.

Resident Consuelo who posed as the Mona Lisa said: “I really enjoyed posing for the picture, although I wish I looked as beautiful as the original Mona Lisa! I particularly enjoyed working on the Andy Warhol painting.”

Resident Dee, 95, who painted Van Gogh’s Starry Night, said: “I have always enjoyed painting. It’s soothing and creative. As a child, my parents would often let me sit and draw for hours. No matter your age, you must try and try again – you’ll be surprised at what you can do.”

Launched in 2000, the month-long Big Draw Festival promotes drawing as a tool for learning, and invention, and has encouraged over four million people to get arty since its inception.

Malaika Charles, Home Manager at Sandfields, said: “We have some very skilled and talented artists here at Sandfields who have been looking forward to this year’s event.

“Here at Sandfields, we believe in the power of activity-based care. Art is a wonderful way for residents to express their feelings and showcase their artistic flare through an activity where anyone can take part – and there is no right or wrong way!

“Drawing is great for everyone, especially for older people, including those living with dementia. On top of physical benefits, from increased motor skills to improved coordination, creative activities, such as drawing, can truly boost cognitive function and even reduce the rate of development for a range of memory conditions.

“We are incredibly proud of the resident’s artwork which now takes pride and joy in our residential hobby room and is often admired by visitors. We are already thinking of ideas for next year!”

This year’s Big Draw Festival was organised by regional lifestyle lead, Jon Sneath, and lifestyle coordinator, Frances Atkinson.

The paintings are now on display in the home for everyone to enjoy.

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